Comments on: Intentional non-productivity is a productivity tool

By: pictures of miley cyrus

pictures of miley cyrus — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:28:51 +0000

Sign: zbdtg Hello!!! svbev and 4376wmsmuphtbh and 6871 : Thanks. We look forward to hearing from you again and for your opinions on the world of work.

By: angelina jolie

angelina jolie — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:12:13 +0000

I love your site. :) Love design!!! I just came across your blog and wanted to say that I�ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. Sign: ndsam

By: Sandra R

Sandra R — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:30:16 +0000

Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. :) Cheers! Sandra. R.

By: Michael Benidt

Michael Benidt — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:50:02 +0000

What an open and honest post! No wonder you have so many readers and comments. This post made me think about the relationship Faye Kellerman describes between her main character, detective Peter Decker, and his wife, Rina Lazarus. They are both Jewish, but he is not as religious (or grounded, or philosophical or whatever). The interchanges between the two about faith are poignant, touching and clearly having an effect on him, slowly, over time. Faye Kellerman's written many books that include these two characters. I recently read The Burnt House and The Mercedes Coffin, but I bet the religion subject is dealt with in her other books. Yeah, ok, they are popular mysteries – but try them, I think you'll be surprised.

By: Christine

Christine — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:32:58 +0000

I'm disappointed by your sweeping statement about people who believe in God being more optimistic and connected to their community than nonbelievers. What could possibly be less cynical than to live a good and kind and productive life *just because you choose to* — NOT because you're looking for a reward (or trying to avoid punishment) in the afterlife?! There are many passionate, good-humored atheists who strive to make the most of their one short life on this planet. Atheism is not a synonym for nihilism!

By: Rick

Rick — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:31:59 +0000

Penelope, I'm not about to even get within a zip code of the religious/God/Community/Optimist?Realist? aspect of this discussion.

No.

I have only one small contribution to make. While you challenge all of us, your readers, to force ourselves to isolate for a day, it is your experience which I find most informing. It really isn't about forcing ourselves, it is about leveraging our opportunities, much as you did as you sat in your car at night.

Over and over, I have discovered ways to take advantage of exactly the kind of short break from life you describe, and it is sometimes just as bitter-sweet as was this break for you.

It's not about forcing ourselves to be or do anything. It's about being nimble, finding opportunity in seemingly discouraging circumstances. It's dancing to the hypnotic drip of the faucet if we have no wrench handy.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:48:47 +0000

Taking a day to reflect and get out of our daily habits to be with God or ourselves is hard in our busy world, but one that does help us refocus on what is important in our lives.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this and being open…..Great post!

By: Jack

Jack — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:34:55 +0000

Rosh Hashnah and Yom Kippur always make me feel unsettled. But I have come to appreciate the forced introspection.

On a side note I always find it funny that some people find blog posts to be so offensive that they feel the need to try and insult the writer.

By: Pam

Pam — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:48:05 +0000

I really enjoyed your blog but have to say I really disagree with your comment:

"it's completely clear to me that people who believe in God are fundamentally more optimistic and more connected to community"

I just couldn't disagree with that more.

By: Shawn

Shawn — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:05:44 +0000

I've been adjusting to a new job and a long commute. On the way home, I've been fighting the temptation to jump on the phone and instead have been spending that time reflecting on the day, the week, or the last 10 minutes. And to be honest, I think that time spent clearing my head has made me more productive than if I'd been on the phone.