The Culture of Immediacy

While talking to Aunt Gladys about the migration history of her parents, who were Spanish and moved to Venezuela, she shared a story about a period when her parents had to separate in search of new opportunities. Her mother took her and her siblings to Spain, while her father remained in Venezuela for work. She mentioned that they were apart for about five years. This conversation arose during a discussion about immediacy.

In our current culture, we don't like to wait; we simply can't wait! We seek technologies to help us do everything faster.We want to make money immediately, and we want so many things NOW!!!

We send a message and expect the person on the other end to respond immediately. During Aunt Gladys's adolescence,her parents communicated through letters. I can deduce that trust in the process and belief in each other were fundamental aspects of those long-distance relationships.

The immediacy of our current society overwhelms me; it can even go against our own nature, rushing us as a society and causing anxiety.

The culture of immediacy permeates all aspects of our lives today.Yesterday, while talking to some friends, we discussed why people opt for smoothies. One of my friends mentioned that it's convenient because you can put everything in a blender, and it's ready in a few minutes. While she emphasized the importance of chewing for the brain, we reflected onthe value of taking time to prepare and enjoy a meal.

But let's be realistic, how do we apply this to our daily lives? Especially in Western countries? When did we decide that doing more or faster means a better life? This is a daily struggle for me! I call it a struggle because I have a well-established pattern of multitasking.

Recently, a coworker told me, "I think you're taking too much time to act." And I replied, "What's wrong with that?"

I'm Learning that time gives us perspective and that immediacy isn't always the best way to act. However, I acknowledge that my impulses still dominate because it has become a habitual culture. I recognize it, and I want to transform it!

I have a memory from my trip to Japan when an American friend and I entered a very small restaurant that only accommodated about six people. There was a couple already seated, waiting for their food. We entered, and the chef didn't utter a word to us; he was focused on his work. He was dedicated to completing the dishes for the couple he was serving,and his presence in his work was impeccable. He didn't see us, he didn't ask if we wanted to see the menu, he didn't exchange a word with us. Only after serving the food did he turn to us and offer the menu. At that moment, I wondered,it thisbusiness profitable? It seemed like a slow system to me, and I reflected on how immersed and accustomed I am to serving a customer while simultaneously answering messages and doing a thousand things at once. I'm immersed in a system that values speed, and I've been living a life where faster is better. I must confess that it weighs on me today; I can't handle it the same way I did a year ago. I don't have the energy, now sice I'm aware that this isn't serving me.

Today in my yoga class, I celebrated. I can now comfortably do the yogi squat pose. It took me two years of practice, but my consistency paid off.

What is your relationship with time?

Mine isn't going very well, and I acknowledge it! It's a practice I'm diving into,conscious action, but I'm just a beginner. Meditation is one of the tools that helps me work on this, as well as yoga, which invites me to focus on my breath while doing each pose, where presence is crucial. I also observe my dog, Thomas, and his existence.

How do you feel about the current culture of immediacy? Are you looking for quick results? Do you seek instantgratification in all aspects of your life? Do you think the culture of immediacy isolates us from building community? Have you managed to find a balance?

Thank you for reading. I leave you with this image to remind you of the importance of taking a moment to enjoy nature and your surroundings. Please leave your comments; I would love to read them.

Amazonia Arroyo

Naked Woman