Sideways Momentum

Summary

The web content discusses the author's frustration with books lacking a table of contents and reflects on the concept of "sideways momentum" as a form of gratitude and mindfulness.

Abstract

The author expresses dissatisfaction with the absence of a table of contents in recent books by Matt Haig and Richard Powers, suggesting that this omission may be a metaphor for life's resistance to neat categorization. Despite this, the author acknowledges the value of appreciating the present moment, as illustrated by a quote from Haig's book emphasizing the importance of "sideways momentum." This concept is exemplified by the simple act of enjoying a pear without concern for the future, a practice the author, Scot, encourages readers to adopt.

Opinions

The author believes that a table of contents is an essential part of a book.
There is a suggestion that authors may intentionally omit a table of contents to reflect the complex, unstructured nature of life.
The author endorses the idea that taking time to appreciate the present, as described in Haig's work, is a beneficial practice.
The author, Scot, personally identifies with the concept of "sideways momentum" and recommends it as a form of mindfulness.

A thought to the Productivity bloggers

My son practicing Sideways Momentum (photo by me)

I have a beef. I hate when authors don’t put a table of contents with chapter titles in their books. I’m talking today about you, Matt Haig, in The Comfort Book and you too Richard Powers in Bewilderment, but maybe, they’re trying to tell us something: Life can’t be divided up into tiny, neat chapters.

Still, I’m getting peeved flipping through pages before I stumble upon a short chapter titled, “Pear,” and I read this: Forward momentum is great. But we also need sideways momentum. For instance, I just sat down and ate a pear. I have no idea what the future holds but I am grateful that I’m alive and able to lie on a sofa and eat a pear.

Hi, I’m Scot and I hope you’re practicing sideways momentum.