Article January 12, 1987 Issue

One Mind, always at peace

The deadline drew near; I yearned to be free of the burden.

Kathryn M. Barnes

In a few days a ten-page history paper is due. But before beginning that, I have an oral presentation to prepare, a list of French vocabulary words to memorize, and the last hundred pages of a novel to read. Most of this must be done on the bus to a distant athletic competition that could not have come at a more inconvenient time. In addition, there are meetings that take huge bites out of free time, leaving only slots here and there in which to accomplish so much. If only it were all done.

So it goes. Along with college there often seems to come a shortage of time, an overabundance of work and responsibilities, and a susceptibility to pressure. Isn't there any way to remain more consistently at peace?

Recently I was confronted with a series of projects, each requiring considerable research and thought. I was having particular difficulty organizing my ideas for the final project; the nearer the deadline drew, the more I panicked. On the night before the due date, fear was so entrenched that I was unable to concentrate. I felt alone in the night with a crushing burden, and I yearned for peace of mind. I cried, 'if only I didn't have this large task to complete! Once it's finished, then all will be well."

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Right pace for best progress