Multitasking

I am a big multitasker. I trace it back to my high school days, when I did homework in front of the television. In college, I did the crossword puzzle in my lecture classes, and got very fidgety if I finished it or got stuck before the professor let us out. I perfected this skill it in law school, when I toggled the screens on my lap top between taking notes and playing solitaire. (That was 10 years ago, before schools had wireless internet connections!). And, yes, I am that person who plays games on her iPhone during meetings.

Honestly, I think it helps me pay attention. In law school, my friends were amused because I could answer a question when called on without skipping a beat, even as I kept my game going. Sitting in meetings, my mind wanders. But if I keep it focused on a game, I seem to have an easier time listening. The games I play are relatively simple–Bejeweled, Fuzzle, Gyrotate–and must occupy just enough of my brain to keep it from drifting away.

Since I wrote last week about bedtime prayers, I haven’t been very faithful with my praying. But, I did discover and start listening to podcasts of the Morning Prayer service from the New Zealand Prayer Book (Anglican). The podcasts run about 15 minutes, and include scripture readings (Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament) and prayers (including the Lord’s Prayer). I really like the voice of the priest who does the readings (David Guthrie) and his New Zealand accent makes it that much more special.

When am I listening to these podcasts? It would be great if I could say that I am getting up earlier and listening before I start my day, but I’m not. (Except one day when I woke up too early and listened in bed, using the ear buds on my iPhone.) And it would be nice if I could say that I fix myself a cup of tea and listen as I ease into my morning, but I don’t do that either. What seems to work best for me–at least it did this week–is to listen while I am doing my warm-up on the elliptical. Yes, I am multitasking with Morning Prayer and exercise!

I usually watch T.V. while I’m exercising, and this podcast certainly is a better way to start the day than hearing about the latest crime reports or political scandals on the morning news. Since I am moving, I am not going to fall asleep (my fear if I tried listening in bed or while sitting quietly) and so far I’ve done really well with paying attention throughout the entire podcast (if my mind does wander, I can always go back a few minutes).

But, this week I’m switching up my exercise routine to try my new Bob Harper Pure Burn: Super Strength DVD, which is a 65 min program (what was I thinking?!) with its own warm-up. I could try to listen to the podcast first, but if I stay in bed I am afraid I will fall asleep and lose that motivation to get up. If I get up and listen first, I know I will get antsy about getting my workout started. I could try listening afterwards, as I am getting ready for work, but I don’t think I would listen as closely if I’m also trying to decide what to wear, fixing my hair, etc. I thought about listening in the car, but I know I would be distracted by traffic and might even spoil the mood with uncharitable thoughts if someone cuts me off! I guess I have 8 hours to figure something out.

What are your favorite game apps?

Do you have a set “quiet” time to pray or meditate? How did you make that part of your daily routine?