Homework for today: slow down

Everyday, I’m fascinated to discover more ways that life in Spain is different than life at home. To put it simply, Spanish people seem so much more focused on truly living than Americans do. I’m realizing it’s no wonder they live longer than we do, but that’s a separate conversation. 

In our Spanish language classes, every teacher has asked us to go around and say what we enjoy doing in our free time. Not what we did for work before this or where we went to school, but how we spend our time: what passions and hobbies we have. Our teachers have also encouraged us to go to bars, fiestas, discotecas, and more to practice our Spanish and learn about the culture by socializing. What a refreshing concept: advising your students to go out into the world and simply talk to people, rather than solely advising them to prepare their homework, essays, and exams.

Outside of the classroom, my host family showed me the value of slowing down. There’s no need to be doing something all the time. There’s also no need to rush cooking, eating, or doing laundry (which can’t really be rushed even if you try since most homes don’t have dryers). Meals are not only about satiating hunger, but also about satiating our need for connection. We would sit down for dinner around 9pm each night and we’d still be sitting at the table laughing (and trying to communicate) at 10:30pm. It was my favorite part of the day.

My other favorite part of the day continues to be sitting in the park with friends. We’ve spent so many hours over the past few weeks just sitting, laughing, playing cards, sharing snacks, telling stories, listening to music, and existing. A few years ago I would have thought this was a waste of time. I’d probably tell you that there’s so many other things you could be doing and sitting in the park for hours can’t possibly be productive. Now? I couldn’t disagree more. Of course, there are many eras of life where you’re busy with work or school so life doesn’t look like a bunch of days in the park. But when life does allow for that? Say yes. It is productive. You don’t always need to be rushing toward the next thing. You could be enjoying right now.