“There are some things I just can’t multi-task.” I stared at the screen in front of me as my beloved patiently waited for my full attention.
“And there are some things you shouldn’t even try,” he chuckled.
Amen to that observation.
So what—or when—does the idea of multi portend a mess? Before I address that, let us consider those occasions when multiple is a positive.
Multi-color. Delightful.
Multi-pack. Usually means you save money.
Multi-flora. Lots of lovely flowers.
Multi-cultural. Diversity is good.
Multi-purpose. Who doesn’t appreciate the workshop tool or kitchen gadget that can do several jobs well?
Back to the idea of the “mess potential” when we choose to multi-task.
We’re all familiar with the obvious, not the least being on the highway with folks who like to use their phones while driving. Or the service associate on the other end of the help line who tries to carry on a conversation with a coworker while resolving our concern. And then there’s the busy physician who bounces in and out of multiple exam rooms, multiple times, for mini-minutes.
While these situations occur far more often than we would like, there is another, less talked about attempt to multi-task that can leave us feeling a bit of a mental mess. The time we spend in prayer or meditation. Our desire to hear the still small voice.
For anyone who has prayed, meditated, or attempted to listen to God, it’s no big surprise to discover the wandering mind—the brain that flits from one thing to another. The grocery list. The next day lunch date with a friend. The rain pelting the window. The neighbor walking the dog.
No doubt, I’m guilty on all counts so imagine how delighted I was, as a young meditator, to learn this is quite normal. The important point to remember is not to beat up on ourselves because we can’t stay focused for even a few moments.
What then, are we to do?
The mystics and spiritual masters offer numerous tips for keeping our attention—our wondering, if you will—on the Divine. Here are a few I have found most helpful over the years:
. . . Don’t spend a lot of time thinking about what you think you’re not supposed to be thinking about. The reality is you end up going in mental circles. Instead, notice the thought—list, appointment, etc.—and see it as a little boat in the stream quickly slipping out of view.
. . . When certain thoughts persist—what should I say to Susie at lunch tomorrow—lay the thought before the Lord and ask Him if there is anything He wants you to know about said meeting. And then trust God to let you know, in His perfect time.
. . . Ask yourself, where is God in this? Many spiritual guides encourage the pray-er to see the moments and events of life in the context of “God in all things.” What does that mean? Maybe the thoughts you think are a simple nuisance are actually being used by the Divine to invite you to take a closer look. For example, if your thoughts continue to return to the argument you had yesterday with your spouse or friend, maybe God hopes you will allow him to help you deal with the anger and hurt that still lingers.
I truly believe most of us do not set out to make any kind of mess in our eagerness to accomplish as much as possible, usually in as short a time as possible. On the other hand, maybe the better approach is to invite God into the mix before we end up with a mess that could have been avoided.
