We live in a fast-paced multi-tasking age which has made it possible to get immediate gratification 24/7: e-mail, banking, mail orders and of course, work. Children are connected to their cell phone and ipod, distracted during the school day or while crossing busy streets. Did you ever go on a dinner date with someone who was busy accessing email and had to text him /her to get their attention? Everyone is afraid to miss out.  Oh and please excuse me if my writing is a bit diffuse as I have to answer the phone while I collect my thoughts.

Interesting, immediate gratification has transferred over to the spiritual realm which has traditionally relied on patience. We grow impatient with our spiritual status. We grow impatient with meditation – “where is my Divine guidance- I want it now?” We bargain with God: “If you do this for me, I will…” Or “Because I helped out a poor soul, now I am ready and waiting for my blessing.” It seems like we are hungrier and devouring more - all the time. We have grown overweight and our children are following in our bigger shadows. We even multi-task our fun, every minute accounted.  We are spinning out of control, experiencing more dissatisfaction.

We find it hard just to be with ourselves on a simple, natural level. Often we sit silently at the dinner table unable to communicate or else deteriorate into a shouting match of opposing wills when the TV is shut. Are we distracting ourselves with more, numbing the pain, because deep down we feel inadequate, unloved for who we really are on a simple level?

Efficiency experts have demonstrated that there is great momentum in slowing down and increased productivity in rest. You can actually save time by single-tasking.  Pleasurable activities serve a higher purpose, so live in the present and let life embrace you.

Here are some strategies which promote single-tasking:

* Do what you love to do even a few minutes a day. Hobbies hold clues to life and career changes. You lose track of time when you are immersed in what you love doing.

* Experience the state of flow because you are focused on the rhythm of what you are doing (as opposed to breaking down the move into its intellectual parts) like a golfer connecting with the ball or a couple dancing.

* Be patient with your goals. Don’t give yourself an artificial deadline. A deadline is a flat line.

* Stir your coffee backwards to be more conscious of what you are doing. You are breaking a mindless routine to experience it with new focus.

* Don’t wear your wrist watch for the weekend - feel the power of subjective time.

*  Prioritize your activities – they don’t all have to be done at once. Delay those that can wait.

* When at work, just do your work and don’t bring your family worries to work with you.