by Dan Cayer (originally published here on June 4, 2018)

Embedded within everyday anxiety is the hope that if we could only complete the remaining tasks on our to-do lists, then we could rest in an aura of accomplishment and contentment. Anxiety creates its own logic: we should maximize all our moments with doing or thinking about doing. I know it’s hard for me to relax when I think about my swollen email inbox. Email has a field day with my adrenal glands.

While we know that meditation and self-care ultimately may be good for our productivity and happiness, choosing them in the moment often feels illogical and doubt-ridden. What about everything else that’s unfinished?

Not everything that feels urgent is important. That’s the trick of stress.

The seduction of being constantly productive must be resisted so that we can also progress on whatever “lesser” regarded path is important to us: parenting, art, spirituality, health, etc.

That’s why I signed up for a 9 day meditation retreat here in NYC this summer. I’m also planning a number of workshops and retreats this summer which you can learn about below. Lastly, for all you South Brooklyners (!), I’m starting a twice monthly meditation group in Windsor Terrace which is open to anyone. It’s an opportunity to practice meditation with neighbors in a friendly setting. If you’re interested, please email me for details.

Dan Cayer used to dial a phone with his nose. His return from illness and pain, and his journey of openness and kindness, is the subject of his forthcoming book, Don’t Get Better. Trained as a meditation and Alexander Technique teacher, Dan regularly leads workshops, retreats, and private consultations in New York City and the Hudson Valley. He was awarded a Fulbright scholarship and his writing has appeared in Elephant Journal, Human Shift Magazine, and Pain Pathways Magazine. Visit Dan’s site.