Take six deep breaths

Green Lake, Seattle, Washington

Teaching two graduate courses that look at information use using a risk/ethics/policy/law lens has made me more cognizant of my own predilections.  A university quarter is ten weeks long, plus a finals week.  Since I am now more than halfway through the eighth week, it seems that I might weigh in and offer a bit of advice to others who like to bite off almost more than can be chewed.

First, in all things strive for balance.  That means a balance between work and play, your network and your family, and your aspirations and your obligations.

Second, take time.  Situate your mind right in the middle of the moment, rather than letting it skitter forward or backward.  Now breathe.  Take six deep breaths.  Jasyoga calls this a "reboot."

Third, before you sleep at night, take time to smell the roses.  Count your blessings.  Vow to do better the next day without beating yourself up for past performance.

Aristotle says, "We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence is a repeatable habit."

In addition to focusing on these three pieces of advice, I walk as often as possible.  You can see how walking can become a form of meditation if you look at my photograph of the place where I walk, above.  If I am what I repeatedly do, then I am -- among other things -- a walker.