Ep. 15: Giving Yourself a Break

As part of living an Intelligent Life, Andrew proposes that we need NEW definitions of Productivity… that even in our times of rest or reflection, we are making progress… In fact, Productivity is perhaps overrated…as we NEED the GAPS, the PAUSES, the BREAKS from the routine to have BOTH halves of the Process of Life… In these Breaks, we often discover ourselves, sort out our true feelings, and find a new or renewed VISION for our lives… Only in these GAPS do we find rest, sensitivity, reflection, and simple joy—all essential to an Intelligent Life. Though it is a true success pattern to make written lists, there is also equal value in being “listless” sometimes… Discovering pleasure in “ordinary tasks” such as washing dishes, cleaning, or sitting with coffee. Andrew explores the role of Attitude and why progress often occurs in the “dry” seasons. With stories of Uncle Earl’s slow but ultra-high-quality craftsmanship, a hermitage healing in the Black Forest, and Mother Teresa’s “epic and dry,” he invites you to slow down, listen to Nature, and notice that you might be making more progress than you think.(00:00) Intro(01:05) Focus vs. Listless — Lists help us focus; there’s also value in being “listless.” (02:04) Ordinary Joys — Washing dishes, warm water, lemon-scented soap; enjoying the simple. (02:53) Luxuriate & Step Out — Give yourself a break; step out of the hustle and pleasing others. (03:54) Rethinking Productivity — Overemphasis on success; learn the “lower ebb” of rest. (05:21) No Rushing, High Quality — Uncle Earl’s methodical pace; quality over haste. (05:52) Reflect & Reconsider — Taste your food, feel your body; ask the central questions. (07:29) Choose Your Attitude — Hostile vs. light-hearted: “What is life trying to teach me?” (09:00) The Hermitage Story — Black Forest retreat; getting sensitive and recovering. (10:35) Epic & Dry — Mother Teresa’s insight; breakthroughs grow quietly in “dry” seasons. (12:25) Counsel & Close — Give yourself space; relax; you’re making more progress than you suspect. Song: Twisted World - andrew reed & the liberationAlbum: As a Bird of the Air… (Trilogy I Album 1)Social Media Linkswww.mvi.lifeOfficial Website: www.AndrewReedMusic.comFacebook: @andrewreedandtheliberation X: @AndrewReedMusic Instagram: @AndrewReedMusic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Lx7DnbB5qyt7uwV8yeHwEYoutube Channel: @andrewreedtheliberationMVI Phone #: (828) 698-5885Click here to view the episode transcript. Watch out for the next message, every two weeks on Fridays @ 7:01am (EST)!“We need something to help us focus because there are so many things happening all around us that it takes away our focus, our intention, our love, even.”