When you have a few minutes of downtime, especially in a public place, what do you do? If you’re anything like me, you usually pick up your phone and text, scroll, email, etc.
Philosophizing at the Hair Salon
A few weeks ago at the hair salon, I had about ten minutes of downtime. I was desperate to think about something other than meetings, memes, and emojis.
So, for the first time in probably decades, I picked up an issue of… wait for it… Harper’s Bazaar.
After flipping past advertisements for jewelry and dresses waaay beyond my pay grade, I came across an interesting and well-written article on the philosophy of glamour.
Now, this isn’t a topic I thought I cared about. But I gave it my full attention. Suddenly I was pondering the meaning and value of taking time to “get done up” – a ritual the author lamented is slowly fading from our society.
While blow dryers whirred and women chattered in the background, I inwardly debated: Is “glamour” really a lost art? What real good comes from over-the-top glitz? Isn’t glamour something for the highly privileged? What about those of us who must get kids to school, and pets fed, and laundry cycled, and emails answered, and yoga done – all before 7am? Aren’t sweatpants and ponytails “beautiful” when we’re prioritizing the right things? What’s the real meaning of beauty, anyway?
(I was trying to be open-minded, but the author totally lost me when she admiringly quoted someone who said, “Why not wear your ermine as a bathrobe?”)
The point here isn’t about the meaning of glamour, or the ethics of bathrobe materials. It’s about how good it feels to tend to an idea, question, or argument—on whatever topic—and think quality thoughts regarding it.
Human consciousness is increasingly molded by headlines and hashtags. Many of us are mentally malnourished, even when it seems we’re getting lots done.
But emails, texts, and posts do not nourish my mind. I’m guessing they don’t nourish yours either.
Is Your Mind Starving?
When was the last time you experienced rich, quality, undistracted thought? On any topic?
Here’s what’s true: We suffer when we can’t hear ourselves think. We suffer when our only “food for thought” is stories, reels, ads, and IMs. Taking time to disconnect from digital distractions and “go deep” with an idea—any idea—isn’t just prudent, it’s a powerful act of wisdom and self-compassion.
Here are five signs your mind might be starving for quality thoughts:
- You’re constantly reading social media posts, but your mind is left feeling empty, apathetic, or anxious.
- There’s a fascinating book on your nightstand that’s been gathering dust and functioning as a coffee cup coaster.
- You can’t remember the last time you explored or debated an argument from multiple angles.
- You long to make/create something, but just can’t find the time and energy.
- There’s a pressing issue or topic you want to learn more about, but just… well… haven’t.
We Need More Thinkers
I was walking through the airport last night, and I saw a guy wearing a tee shirt that said, “We Need More Thinkers.” Right on, bro. We do!
Deep down, if you feel there’s more for your mind than what it’s being given and what it’s producing, then do something about it.
Find a quiet (or semi quiet) moment. Put down the screen that’s overrun with notifications. Breathe. Pick up the article or book or journal or project. Allow your mind to flow, to flex, to flourish. Then, talk with someone about what you pondered, debated, learned, or created. Look them in the eye and tell them why it matters, what’s at stake, what the next steps might be.
We’re made for quality thoughts and conversations. Without them, we suffer—individually and societally. Let’s recommit to nourishing our minds together.
