The Microwave Generation

We live in a microwave generation. If our food is not cooked in three minutes or less we start to sweat and worry that our lives are slipping away. If our wars are not won in a matter of days we attach labels of “quagmire” to the ensuing conflict.

Our cars never drive fast enough, checkout lines with two people are crowded, and thirty pounds should easily be lost in a week. Problems, for this generation, are not things they should have to live with. And never let it be said that consequences should ever be borne for individual actions.

We want everything and we want it now. But getting everything you want the second you want it is called being spoiled. Not only that but self-indulgence is a sure-fire way of being unhappy. There’s happiness in waiting. There’s a pleasure to be had in working over a period of time and being rewarded with completion or payment later, when it’s finished.

Try this experiment. If you normally microwave your food, try cooking it on the stove top for a week. When you eat your food, eat slowly and mindfully. You might discover your mind and body slowing down. You might feel more relaxed. Your food will likely taste better and you’ll be more appreciative of what you have.

If the above experiment is successful, try slowing down in other areas of your life too. Going too fast means you can’t enjoy what you have. Slow down, realize what you have and enjoy it.