Multitasking. Busyness. Noise. All modern hassles that I often simply accept, don’t fight, and let rule my life. Part of my survival mechanism, I guess.
But lately I have noticing my reading, listening and even prayer is lacking depth – I am skimming in all areas of my life.
Skimming makes me look like I have it all together and am on top of things, yet something is missing. I am not taking the time to develop deep roots – roots that will nourish me through dry periods and hold me steady during the storms of life.
Pete Scazzero
wrote, “Skimming is the way many of us cope with multiple demands, constant pressure, and overloaded schedules. We cover a lot of ground superficially without being fully engaged.”
wrote, “Skimming is the way many of us cope with multiple demands, constant pressure, and overloaded schedules. We cover a lot of ground superficially without being fully engaged.”I can blame the Internet. I read this article the other day by Nicolas Carr, author of The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains,
who believes the internet is changing the way we read and process information. It is a medium based on interruption – one in which we read a snippet, check email, click on a link, Google and Bing – it fosters a chronic state of distraction. Thus, it’s really not suited for deep reading and concentration, two elements often associated with the acquisition of wisdom.
who believes the internet is changing the way we read and process information. It is a medium based on interruption – one in which we read a snippet, check email, click on a link, Google and Bing – it fosters a chronic state of distraction. Thus, it’s really not suited for deep reading and concentration, two elements often associated with the acquisition of wisdom.Carr started research for The Shallows after he noticed a change in his own ability to concentrate.
“Neuroscientists and psychologists have discovered that, even as adults, our brains are very plastic,” Carr explains. “They’re very malleable, they adapt at the cellular level to whatever we happen to be doing. And so the more time we spend surfing, and skimming, and scanning … the more adept we become at that mode of thinking.”
I have recognized for a long time that stress decreases my ability to concentrate and now feel I have let my brain slip into a mode of skimming the surface instead of fully digesting what I am reading. I am glad to read the above quote that sounds like this is reversible.
Skimming can be beneficial at times but not all of the time. How can we develop depth? Seeking a set time for silence and solitude for my Bible reading and for prayer is a start. Being aware that I am in “skimming mode” and intentionally deciding if this is how I want to live at that moment may help also.
I think I would rather accomplish less and live a more fully engaged life than to do lots, just skimming the surface. What do you think? Have you noticed you are skimming more? Is it a benefit or determent to skim?
The concept of “skimming” is a great visual for me to remind me to go deep. Thank you, Jean!
Jeanie, I’m late chiming in here, but I am all about avoiding The Shallows in life. When you mentioned that article to me, I decided to post on it immediately — that’s how important I think this is.
For me, it’s time. It all comes down to the time I give to my reading and contemplation. And that’s a choice.
wow I have kindred spirit with me on this skimming issue. I think the first step is the awareness of how we are living and pausing to slow down, even for a few minutes. Maybe tackling one item each day with depth would help restore those brain connections too. I like the idea of retreats too. I have tried to take at least once a year an multiple day silent retreat to reset my spirit and so far this year have not taken one. I do believe God will guide us in this desire to grow deeper if we ask and seek Him.
Thanks for all the comments
Jean you are absolutely onto something with this post. I have noticed exactly what that researcher concludes: my attention span is narrowing. I skim and skim and skim, and then I sit down with my book club book, and I start to skim that, too. It’s trickling into other aspects of my life as well. I sit for a moment of peace, and 3 seconds later I jump up to putter with something.
It’s scaring me — I am turning into a flighty, flaky girl who can’t concentrate on anything!
I wonder what the solution is? Perhaps a retreat to a monastery somewhere, with no Internet???! That sounds mighty appealing right now.
Oh yes I’m skimming. The occasional emptiness I feel reminds me that I need a hearty meal once in a while. Even more than once in a while!
I think I’m the skimmiest! I wish it was the skinneist! 😛 I agree, I wonder what that’s doing to our kids?
Just the other day, I wrote in my journal that my life is filled to the brink. This realization occurred because I felt I was too often doing just what you write about — skimming too often. Skimming through even the posts and articles and devotionals that I wanted to read.
Unless and until God shows me differently, I’m slowing down and giving my all to what He’s already given me to do (and to be).
Thanks, Jeanie, for such an interesting post.