Day 4 - 299 -- Rinse, Lather, Repeat

I've noted several times recently that the feelings of being overwhelmed -- that there is just too little time to do all tasks by deadlines -- are in full force at this time in term. I've been reminded by blogs from previous years that this is not a new feeling, nor is it likely worse than in the past. For some reason the mental anguish is blocked from memory. I'm not alone in this feeling or forgetting the intensity with which it arrives. Everyone on campus is in this position. It reminded me of an office I worked in years ago where we banned the word 'busy.' Hearing a coworker note they were 'so busy' or 'too busy' seemed to imply that others in the workplace had much less on their desks. After several discussions about the anger, or maybe feeling devalued by others, as a group we decided to ban the word. This led to stopping folks in mid-sentence to begin to rephrase their thoughts in a way that explained that time was tight, but in  two days some free time could be found to do whatever was needed. It did make the workplace a bit more pleasant during times of extreme stress.

So -- in my current work setting this sense of panic happens repeatedly. Acknowledging this repetition and preparing for it as best as possible, might help a bit. The last thing one needs is to add to the pressure by wondering if there is something wrong with oneself making it impossible to get things done. Is it aging, illness, or what? If we can remind ourselves that this is usual and work to find some relief during the thick of it all -- a walk, a movie, a yoga class or even choose to phone a friend -- we may be able to navigate through the craziness. 

A song that came to mind seems so perfect  when thinking through the repeating rhythms of life. The lyrics and rhythms demonstrate repetition, a repetition that reflects stress and desperation. It is sung by a very talented musician. Enjoy! 

I Believe You -- The Monkees (Peter Tork)