I just started reading Meditation for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman, and I’m choosing to not follow his advice. He says to read the 28-chapter book over 28 days (one chapter per day, 7 chapters per week) to let it sink in over four weeks.
However.
I only have the book for 21 days as I’m renting it from the library. To renew the loan would put me behind 8 other people, and I’m sorry, Ollie, but I’m not gonna wait another 168 days for Week 4.
I made my choice, and I’m fully prepared to accept the consequences.
the Choice
Douse my brain in Weeks 1 and 2.
And then take it slow. Embrace the philosopher’s marinade. Let Weeks 3 and 4 steep. Chapter by Chapter. Day by Day (or as my friend C says, “day, bidet”).
I’ve already dipped into Days 1–4. But I stopped on Day 5, which is titled …
Too Much Information: On the Art of Reading and Not Reading.
Touché, Mr. Burkeman. Touché.
the Consequence
To be determined. But here’s what I’m taking from my day 1 (aka Days 1–4) …
favorite quote
If you find yourself lost in the woods, fuck it, build a house. “Well, I was lost, but now I live here! I have severely improved my predicament!” —Mitch Hedberg (who is this guy, I assume)
I have a really hard time with acceptance. Things aren’t the way they should be, dammit! But they are the way they are. And me constantly fighting my reality is not only pointless, it’s insufferable (for me and anyone around me).
favorite lesson
… is also a quote, but not from the book. It’s something my friend A often repeats to me (and her 5th-grade students):
You can do whatever you want. Just be prepared for the consequences. —A
Burkeman says something similar in Day 3, noting that we don’t fail to make choices because we’re stuck. We fail to make choices because we’re scared of the consequences.
Or maybe, it’s just easier to say “I’m stuck” than to take responsibility and choose. Either way, it’s where I’ve been sitting for a long time: Stuck.
other bits
Here’s what else I’m taking from Days 1–4:
- My to-do list is just a record of what I accomplished today. Not a list of things I must do.
- When I do sit down to make a list, I might ask myself: “What are some good things to do with your time today?” instead of “What’s gotta get done?”
- Adding “make coffee,” “take pills,” and “started period” to that list is good for my psyche. (Between you and me, the “easy” things aren’t always so easy. I want to give myself credit for all the things I do. It also helps me notice patterns when I’m off my meds.)
- The tasks I finish, the actions I take, are “enjoyable expressions” of my humanity.
- Nothing will ever be done perfectly, so do it imperfectly.
- Don’t use privilege as an excuse not to take action.
Here’s to doing what you want—and being ready for whatever happens next.