In the ancient agricultural harvesting practice known as winnowing, the wind was harnessed to blow away the chaff, thus leaving the grain behind for use. It made me think, how is it we distinguish the valuable from the valueless in a workday filled with multitasking?
To me, it feels that in being precise in our focus we can get to the core of that which needs to be done. We will sometimes work in the order of priority, or instead to tackle those pesky items which cause us to procrastinate on any given day. How do we reach the depth of focus needed to make such distinctions in our workplace, careers or business?
The answer I believe lies in the discipline of cultivating a stillness within ourselves that allows for more clarity when making decisions in the approach to our day. The more we practice that discipline which might come in the form of prayer, meditation, or exercise - the easier it becomes to separate the wheat from the chaff. But then there’s the dilemma of what is left behind.
To me, as we try to integrate or synergize the activities of working and living with purpose, we eventually get to those issues of less import. As I've been known to say, "if it doesn't get done today, nobody's gonna die." Being a hospice volunteer has given me a great perspective on what's really important in life, and how cumbersome it is when we sweat the small stuff.
As for relationships, whether business or personal, I actually have a different philosophy. Inevitably we must use our time wisely when determining how much of our day goes to phone calls, returning e-mails or meeting with clients or prospective business contacts. We will also tend to separate the wheat from the chaff in that way as well, giving more importance – or not- to certain people who come our way. This is where a deeper calling of awareness is called for, and here’s why; you never know the purpose of the pauper or the prodigy in your midst, as it relates to your life’s purpose or theirs. With that, here's a poem from Rumi which beautifully demonstrates my point.
This being human is a guest-house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows, Who violently sweep your house empty of it's furniture.
Still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
RUMI
WorkLife Balance and the Art of Multi-tasking - To learn more about this author, visit Judy Martin's Website.
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Judy Martin
(Visit Judy's Website)
Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist
Judy Martin, is a reporter and public
speaker who communicates on worklife
culture, and gives an objective voice to
social concerns, business news and the
delicate balance of living and working
with purpose, in an era of great
uncertainty and chaos.
Judy is a national radio contributor whose
work has been heard on NPR News, The
World, BBC Radio 3, The World Vision
Report and The Marketplace Morning Report,
where she spent nearly four years in the
New York City Bureau. Judy also continues
her affiliation with the News 12
Television Networks as an anchor/reporter.
Judy’s blogs at www
.worklifemonitor.com which features
individuals, businesses, and the latest
innovative programs to integrate life and
work concerns while thriving on the
threshold of change. Judy balances her
worklife as a volunteer for Hospice
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