My mind is practically incapable of not multitasking on a daily basis. It seems that every thing I do, I do in parallel with something else. I frequently wonder what happened to the joy of doing one thing, completely in the present, and completely immersed. But between the onslaught of technology and the responsibilities that come with a demanding job and the requirements of parenting, things have dramatically changed. Getting lost in a really good book, going for an unplanned hike or just sitting with friends for several hours over dinner and drinks just does not seem to happen any more.
It's not that I can't manifest the opportunity. It's that I can't stop myself from thinking of all the things to do, all the new ideas or projects to tackle, or the projects yet to be completed. I don't sit and watch a movie, I watch a movie, send/read emails or work out my schedule for the days ahead. I don't read books, I listen to them in the car in 20 minute segments on the way to work. And even that's interrupted daily as I use my phone to leave myself messages about things to do, people to contact and actions to take. And don't even get me started about how my iPhone has become such an essential accessory that I've become dependent on it.
I bring this up because I finally read an article from The Atlantic that I've had printed and set aside to read for several months. What a great read. Funny, well written, and laced with insights into our modern culture and the impact of the feverish pace at which we race through it.
The Autumn of the Multitaskers
also appended below for posterity