I’ve recently made a few decisions that might seem drastic to some of you: I deleted my Facebook and Twitter accounts and I disabled email on my iPhone.
Yes, I’ve decided to rebel against a culture that tells us we need to multitask, that our personal value depends upon how much work we get done during the day, and that we have to be constantly connected. These days, although far from being perfect at it, I am choosing to cut out distractions and to live my life more slowly.
I believe that our spiritual lives will deepen when we decide to cut out distractions and slow down. I say this because when I contemplate the life of Jesus, I simply don’t believe that He was in a constant rush. Yes, He was on fire with His mission, but He wasn’t moving about frantically.
In my own prayer, I see him walking peacefully, slowly, aware of His Father’s love for him. When He spoke with someone, He was focused on that person as if she were the only person in the world. When He was preaching, He was immersed in preaching. When He was healing, He was immersed in healing. When He was visiting friends, He was immersed in the visit. I don’t think Jesus was concerned with multitasking. His mind wasn’t constantly buzzing with distractions.
I find that I when I consciously slow down and focus on what I’m doing, I actually get more done during the day and I feel better about myself. I feel more peaceful because I’m able to be more aware of God’s presence. I feel…liberated.
Try it: Start your day slowly. Move through the day slowly. Focus on the work you’re doing and do it slowly. Let me know how it works for you.
So, although you won’t see me on Facebook or Twitter, I still plan to blog; and I hope and pray that my blogging will help you to be more aware of the Lord’s presence in your life.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it:
I am thankful you are not quitting your blog! This has been a great source of wisdom and food for thought Fr. Mike! I am sure you will see many fruits from your new pace. :0)
Hi Father Mike
There is noise everywhere, electronic noise. In the home, in the car, in shopping malls, even often in churches. I am sure that the devil loves all this noise, for we do not get a chance to think. Every second person you pass is either on a mobile phone or some electronic gadget. I think like you, that it is time we take back our silence, and not let the world dictate our thoughts. Thanks for your great and wise article.
Anne
Fr. Najim,
Thank you once again, for this witness, for it has made me reflect on my own “multiple-tasking” ways…. I will pray for you and your intentions to slow down with things that distract us an take our eyes off Jesus at times.
Brother in Christ,
Bill Bowden
Bravo, Father Najim! Irene, the recent tropical storm/hurricane gave me a good dose of that quiet, when we were without power for 36 hours and had no phone, TV, or internet. When the power came back on, I was a little disappointed, because I was enjoying a retreat provided by mother nature. I hope your blog causes others to take a look at how electronics are controlling their lives. God bless you.
Fr Michael Najim,
Thank you Fr for the sharing. It has helped me reflect on my spiritual life. This post is an affirmation that it is ok not to multi-task and being in the present, enjoying the silence.
And YES Fr, your blog did help me to be aware of the Lord’s presence in my life.
God Bless
Ruth, Malaysia