The Unending Progress Bar

Summary

The article discusses the author's reflection on finding additional time and inner peace by being disconnected from their phone due to a failed update.

Abstract

The author begins the day intending to meditate but is met with a stalled progress bar on their phone, symbolizing a pause in the constant flow of digital updates. This unexpected downtime prompts a realization of the abundance of time that is usually consumed by phone usage. The author expresses gratitude for the opportunity to engage in leisurely activities, self-reflection, and prayer, viewing this as a gift of time. Drawing on a quote from Laurence G. Boldt, the author suggests that we often hinder our own receptivity to life's messages through over-analysis and neglect of our natural strengths. The article posits that breakdowns and slowdowns in technology can serve as lessons to reassess how we might be blocking our ability to receive. The author encourages readers to consider their own use of time and to embrace receptivity by doing less and allowing more. The piece concludes with a call to action for readers to join the author on a spiritual journey and to connect with fellow writers who contribute to the author's 100-day spiritual exploration.

Opinions

The author views the unending progress bar as a metaphor for the universe's message about abundance and time.
Phone usage is seen as a significant consumer of time that could otherwise be spent on more meaningful activities.
The inability to use the phone is portrayed as an opportunity for personal growth and increased mindfulness.
The author believes that technology's mal

Finding an abundance of time without my phone

Photo by Ben Kolde on Unsplash

This morning I came downstairs, ready to do my meditation. I saw a progress bar on my phone. All night it had tried to download an update. As I write this, I still see the line, trying as it may, to make progress. I feel that the universe has some messages for me. Abundance is working hard to give me more time.

When I think of how often I check and look at my phone, I am reminded of how much time out of my day checking messages takes. Today because I am unable to use my phone, I am actually gaining time. Abundance is giving me time for leisure, time for a walk, time to light the candles and pray. I am grateful for this time. Of course, at first, my mind was racing, thinking of all of the things I would have to change about my day. Now, as I sit to write this, I see the gifts I have been given.

Now that I have time to reflect, I can see that sometimes my phone can block me from receiving some messages I am meant to hear. My mind can quiet down, I can focus, and I can feel the gentle breaths I take, in and out. I am looking forward to learning what today means. What will I do with this time I am given?

Receptivity can be learned, or more accurately, we can learn how we inhibit or block our natural receptivity, then cease these blocking efforts. We block our understanding by struggling to figure things out. We block our capacity to perform by ignoring our natural strengths or by fretting too much about how we are doing. -Laurence G. Boldt

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

When things around us break, start to malfunction, or seem to be slow, there is a lesson that we must learn hidden in these seemingly ordinary mishaps. Maybe they are showing us how we are blocking our ability to receive. They are an invitation to get quiet, go within, and work on discovering what we are holding back from.

Today is a day for me to get curious. I can ask questions about how I spend my time, what I focus on, and what my intentions are. This quiet time today will serve me well. I consider it a gift well-received. In turn, I feel that I will give a gift or two today, to say thank you to life for this time.

My prayer and my intention for you today is to pay close attention to your receptivity. Are you blocking your ability to receive? Slow down today and take some time to reflect on how you spend your time. Can you allow more and do less?

Day #4: How can you open up to receive today?

Trista Signe Ainsworth is a professional organizer with Joyful Minimalism. She guides clients on a personal growth journey through their homes.

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