Way before iPhones or Uber Eats, Philosopher Blaise Pascal understood the human condition and our desire to avoid being present with ourselves. In 1670 he famously said;
“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
Could you do it? Could you sit quietly in a room alone with just your own thoughts and feelings? No phone, no music, no laptop, no snacks, no distractions?
The idea of doing this, even just for 60 seconds feels like a ‘waste of time’ for many of us in the frenetic pace of 2025.
But Blaise was right.
Our inability to be fully present is having big consequences for our wellbeing and our productivity.
We are stuck in a cycle of endless distraction and avoidance.
Training our minds to be fully present with ourselves even in the tough moments will deliver benefits you did not think possible – individually and for your team.
My invitation to you – set a timer – sit quietly – notice what happens.
I’d love to hear from you. Did you do it? If not, what’s getting in the way? Do you think it might be a waste of time?
