Ahmad, Aisha S. 2020, March 27. “ Why You Should Ignore All That Coronavirus-Inspired Productivity Pressure.” The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/article/Why-You-Should-Ignore-All-That/248366
“Global catastrophes change the world.... the legacy of this pandemic will live with us for years, perhaps decades to come. It will change the way we move, build, learn, and connect. … The emotionally and spiritually sane response is to prepare to be forever changed.”
"Let go of all of the profoundly daft ideas you have about what you should be doing right now. Instead, focus intensely on your physical and psychological security."
I felt quite productive at first, but today am having trouble concentrating. So Ahmad's thoughts are very relevant. Also, it is warm out!
Stage 2
"Now more than ever, we must abandon the performative [productivity] and embrace the authentic. Our essential mental shifts require humility and patience. Focus on real internal change. These human transformations will be honest, raw, ugly, hopeful, frustrated, beautiful, and divine. And they will be slower than keener academics are used to. Be slow. Let this distract you. Let it change how you think and how you see the world. Because the world is our work."
Stage 3
"On the other side of this shift, your wonderful, creative, resilient brain will be waiting for you. ... Things will start to feel more natural. The work will also make more sense, and you will be more comfortable about changing or undoing what is already in motion. ... Emotionally prepare for this crisis to continue for 12 to 18 months, followed by a slow recovery. If it ends sooner, be pleasantly surprised. Right now, work toward establishing your serenity, productivity, and wellness under sustained disaster conditions. ... On the other side of this journey of acceptance are hope and resilience. We will know that we can do this, even if our struggles continue for years. We will be creative and responsive, and will find light in all the nooks and crannies. We will learn new recipes and make unusual friends. We will have projects we cannot imagine today, and will inspire students we have not yet met. And we will help each other."
What an amazing essay, exactly at the time I needed it.
“Global catastrophes change the world.... the legacy of this pandemic will live with us for years, perhaps decades to come. It will change the way we move, build, learn, and connect. … The emotionally and spiritually sane response is to prepare to be forever changed.”
"Let go of all of the profoundly daft ideas you have about what you should be doing right now. Instead, focus intensely on your physical and psychological security."
I felt quite productive at first, but today am having trouble concentrating. So Ahmad's thoughts are very relevant. Also, it is warm out!
Stage 2
"Now more than ever, we must abandon the performative [productivity] and embrace the authentic. Our essential mental shifts require humility and patience. Focus on real internal change. These human transformations will be honest, raw, ugly, hopeful, frustrated, beautiful, and divine. And they will be slower than keener academics are used to. Be slow. Let this distract you. Let it change how you think and how you see the world. Because the world is our work."
Stage 3
"On the other side of this shift, your wonderful, creative, resilient brain will be waiting for you. ... Things will start to feel more natural. The work will also make more sense, and you will be more comfortable about changing or undoing what is already in motion. ... Emotionally prepare for this crisis to continue for 12 to 18 months, followed by a slow recovery. If it ends sooner, be pleasantly surprised. Right now, work toward establishing your serenity, productivity, and wellness under sustained disaster conditions. ... On the other side of this journey of acceptance are hope and resilience. We will know that we can do this, even if our struggles continue for years. We will be creative and responsive, and will find light in all the nooks and crannies. We will learn new recipes and make unusual friends. We will have projects we cannot imagine today, and will inspire students we have not yet met. And we will help each other."
What an amazing essay, exactly at the time I needed it.
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