Last weekend, I was at a dance event.
It took place over three days and was, like every event I have visited before, a very enjoyable experience.
One thing stood out, though, and that was the Zen Room.
West coast swing weekends are intense. You're there with a group of strangers, practicing by day and partying by night. Often dancing 10 to 12 hours a day, learning a lot, and meeting new people. It's extremely fun. It's intense. And it's absolutely exhausting.
Enter the Zen Room. Meditative music, cushions and blankets on the floor, dim light.
At first, I went there only when I was tired and needed a break. So I sat down and meditated for a few minutes, before taking a deep breath and going back to the event. Then I noticed something more: the Zen Room gave me time to process what happened while it happened. Each day wasn't one complete block anymore, but a series of intense moments, with time in between to take a step back and enjoy it all.
I have even more happy memories from this event than from any other event before, just because I took a step back and processed what happened.
That's a learning I'll use for the rest of my life.
Even during the most beautiful times, take a step back to give yourself time to process.
Reading Recommendations
Developer Burnout: The What, The Why, and The Solutions
“Our jobs are essential to businesses and sometimes new products or features are promised publicly (often before the work is estimated!). We find ourselves in two-week sprints where capacity can be overloaded, as we fight to keep up with the demands of our product owners.”
Embracing Discomfort Can Open Our Minds to New Ideas
“When trying something new, discomfort might feel like a sign we’re in over our heads. Embracing these feelings as a part of learning could help motivate personal growth.”
“Some senior managers who have been at the job 30 years don’t necessarily have 30 years of experience. They may have one year of experience thirty times.”
Weekly Mindfulness Practice
The next time you do something you enjoy for more than 2 hours, e.g. family time, meeting friends, or doing a hobby you love, take some time for yourself. Go to a secluded space, do a body scan, and take a few deep breaths.
I've heard people recommend doing this at weddings, but it's applicable to so many more enjoyable situations.
End Note
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Have a great week
Simon
PS: What do you think about this? Please hit reply and let me know. I’m curious!