Unlike yesterday when my computer was dead, and I had no
choice but to take analog, or pen and paper notes both in the margins and in my
notebook, today I chose to work on my computer. I started out reading my notes
from yesterday, and began to think about multitasking. Once again Larry Rosen
in iDisorder has interesting information claiming, “Research is fairly clear
that performing one task at a time is much better than performing multiple
tasks simultaneously (which is really just rapid task switching” (207). Today,
I was able to open multiple windows as I read my notes to check on the actual
articles mentioned in iDisorder. Though Rosen spoke about students when he
said, “students had more windows open on their computer lost more focus on
their studying,” I chose to apply it to myself.
With my iPhone facedown on the table next to me at
Starbucks, I implemented the Tech Break 15 minute rule. After reading Rosen’s
findings about multi-tasking, I pondered the best way to conduct my research
this morning. Since my topic was multi-tasking, I decided to skim the article,
“The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Training on Multitasking in a High-Stress Information Environment,” a study conducted by four different
professors. They introduce the study with the following statement,
“Multitasking is a widespread phenomenon in today’s information-saturated
world, and there is considerable concern about its negative consequences for
both personal health and effectiveness.” After skimming I returned to the
beginning and read the entire article on line. When I came upon an expert, a
study, or a reference I wanted to check out, I noted the page, but I continued
to read, re-skimming information not pertinent to my inquiry today.
At one point, when the reading wasn’t as applicable to my
focus, I felt the urge to check my phone. Unsure of how long I’d been reading,
I picked it up to learn it had been 25 minutes. I then spent 5 minutes
answering a text, checking my emails, and looking at the weather. Why do I look
at the weather? It may be that I grew up with a mother who constantly mentioned
the weather. Now when she calls me, from California, the first thing she
frequently asks is, “How is the weather?” Why do we do this? We can’t do
anything about the weather, but I suppose it gives us something to look forward
to if the forecast is sunnier and warmer than the current day, and something to
prepare for if a day of wintry mix is in our future. But then again, isn’t the
goal of mindfulness to live in the present moment, not concerned with the past
or the future weather?
I finished reading the article before heading to yoga with
no media distractions, but I do choose to work at Starbucks some mornings
because it is a social place where I see friends and acquaintances. I would say
these are pleasant distractions for if I needed 100% focus, I would work
at Wheelhouse in a conference room.
A suggestion to any readers, pay attention to your
multitasking during the day. It can be an eye opening experience, one where you
may realize that your very observation is a form of mindfulness.
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