Mind Like Water
As I just posted about my GTD implementation, I started thinking about what appeals to me most about GTD. Of course, there is its total organization and complete capture of everything in your life. There is the clean desk and inbox acheived by this system. I love all that.
But what really appeals to me is the idea of attaining a “Mind Like Water” state. I have to admit, I haven’t completely achieved this yet, as many GTDers have not. But GTD does bring me much closer to this ideal, and as I get better at the GTD habits, and trust my system more, I get closer each day.
It reminds me of a quote from Bruce Lee:
Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.
I think the appeal is the calmness and peace that you are trying to achieve. Have everything in its place, and empty your mind of busy-ness and junk. Then your are ready for anything that comes your way. Sometimes when I don’t feel this way, I look at others around me, and realize that I have come a long way towards Mind Like Water.
It will be an ongoing quest. Wish me luck.
Similar posts elsewhere:
- Davidco: An empty mind does a better job of thinking
- FooWorks: Mind Like Water
- 43 Folders: Zanshin - The Remaining Mind
- What is Mind Like Water?
See also:
- Email Zen: Clear Out Your Inbox
- 5 Ways GTD Helps You Achieve Your Goals
- My GTD Implementation
- Beginners Guide to GTD
- How to Do the Weekly Review in Under an Hour
- Weekly Review: Key to GTD and Achieving Goals
- Tips for GTD’s Ubiquitous Capture
- Cranking Widgets: Turning Your Work into Stress-free Productivity
- Why is GTD So Popular?
- Posted on 25 January 2007 in GTD |
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Comments (3)
Subbu Says:
March 20th, 2007, 2:50 am
Hi,
Off late I am regular visitor to your site. Pretty nice things in here..
I have been referring this site to my family and friends.
Following link seem to have some alignment issues. Once the link is opened, you get a blank page in the main frame. Text is pushed down, need to scroll down.. May be you have already noticed..
zenhabits Says:
March 20th, 2007, 3:38 am
Thanks for the feedback, Subbu. I especially appreciate your referrals to family and friends — that’s extremely nice of you. I’ll see what I can do about the text alignment.
leo
Will Says:
December 29th, 2007, 10:31 am
Leo, if I remember correct, you are not really a Zen practitioner but use Zen principles in you work and writing. Any ways, I came across an American Zen Master who used David Allen’s GTD and the “mind like water” principle in a teshio (talk). It is on MP3 and is only 38mins and very listen-able. http://www.windhorsezen.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=231836
I really enjoy your writing and aspects of it have enriched my experience of life.
Thank you
Will
