I’m about to do one of my favorite things—check papers.
This was not always one of my favorite things. I had to Joseph Campbell the sitch to make it work for me.
Joseph Campbell was an American writer and professor of literature with focus on comparative mythology. The Power of Myth is perhaps his best known work.
He details the importance of ritual—weddings, funerals, coming-of-age, and so on.
Think about that—anything you do habitually can be lifted to ritual status. Brushing your teeth can become “Let’s prepare this grill for the smiles today!”
The transformation to ritual needn’t be grand. As the saying goes, if your only prayer of that day is “Thank you”, that is enough.
So, I’m having fruit as I do a fast charge. While sitting here waiting for my car to get its fuel, I’m thinking about what fuel I want.
You see, I’m heading to my favorite Sunday morning spot for some excellent nibbles, and at my table I shall leisurely complete assignments and grading and plans for the next week.
The whole time, I’m literally in a space that encourages free thought as well as culinary delights, and that elevates my mood while completing a task that once was drudgery.
If I finish my assignment, I can lean back and attend a service virtually.
And when I leave, the task is completed, my tummy is happy, my spirits are lifted, and I can head into the week thinking thoughts of creativity instead of “I have to…”.
Doing this requires you to move slower.
You have to take your time.
It’s a savoring kind of thing.