The Myth of Progress: Pump the brakes and go farther

“Don’t think that progress exists. It doesn’t.”
Ron Padgett, excerpts from "How to be Perfect"

When I was in 11th grade, I had English literature right after lunch. This was unfortunate, because the combination of food coma and “Beowulf” left me with the impression that poetry was not for me. Fortunately, Mary Oliver and Tupac came along, and I discovered that poetry could be accessible and inspiring. When I stopped trying to become an expert on the text and just read poetry that spoke to my curiosity or heart, my opinion – and enjoyment – of it improved.   

With maturity comes the opportunity to discover the truth of your own tastes and preferences. We know age does not guarantee wisdom, but more time spent paying attention – being mindful – is the foundational building block for life’s real riches.

My two young adult sons constantly remind me of the angst that is part and parcel of uncertainty. Being younger means fewer miles on the road to self-awareness. As my older son reminded me last week, it’s great to have freedom: You get to decide how late you stay up and when to do your laundry. You can decide to never, ever eat broccoli. But in the early stages of self-discovery, you get a lot of questions that you don’t yet know how to answer. You have to figure out a career and choose where to live, and you have to pay for really boring things, such as insurance. It's time to put some paint on the canvas and that can be a scary proposition. If you don’t know much about yourself, you’re unlikely to find inspiration in the brushstrokes. 

In the earlier years, most of us are taught to worship at the altar of progress. The first few decades are a litany of boxes we’re told to check, but there is no reason to wait until we’re old to develop awareness about what makes our own lives meaningful to us. Mindfulness practice – making a point of being physically and mentally in the same place at the same time, as often as possible – helps develop that insight. You’re not here to paint anyone’s masterpiece but your own. 

As we careen into the pinnacle of summer busyness, we’re inviting you to join us with an intentional pumping of the brakes, delivering daily prompts that encourage you to be more present by doing less. Instead of getting caught up in the tired strategy of doing more, you’ll be encouraged to slow down to the pace that allows you to respond with intention. Despite what we’ve been conditioned to believe, a more focused and intentional pace means you end up where you need to be, feeling less worn out and having enjoyed the trip. For another version of this story, see “The Tortoise and the Hare.” 

Young or old, most of us tend to be both afraid to leave our canvases blank and also to make the wrong mark, one that doesn’t reflect what feels true. The more time we spend honing our attentional muscles, the more tools we have at our disposal to make decisions that result in a meaningful, less anxious life. 

Stay tuned for more details on our first annual TRYathlon on August 8 at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. In this triathlon for brain fitness and overall wellness, you’ll be treated to a fun, family-friendly event for all ages and abilities: 15 minutes of mindfulness meditation, 45 minutes of all-level yoga with bilingual instruction, and a 5K fun run/hike on the trails. No timers. The only competition will be how much fun you can have and how much insight you gain on the only race that really matters: your own life.

With gratitude and care,

Sara