Tracey, I am glad that these posts are helping you slow down a bit. We are in a goal-obsessed society. I want people to realize that not only is this often unhealthy, but it is also counter-productive.

David, your comment raises an interesting point. Being goal-free does not mean you don’t have to prepare. As Igor Stravinsky, the Russian-born composer once said, “Inspiration that falls on the unprepared and untrained mind is lost.” Practice may make perfect. But more importantly, it allows you to be present – and to improvise.

Zoe, I’m glad your summer camp was about fun. I think kids these days are being driven too hard and as a result are not learning some important skills: creativity and social skills…both of which are stimulated by play.

Thanks again.

You’re so right about timing and performance – we can get so sucked up in numbers. The happiest marathon runners I know are the ones who finish at the end – they’re happy just to have done it. The most miserable? the sub-four-hour runners who wrestle with time goals. 30 seconds off their pace and their face droops to the ground.

Thanks for sharing!