Can We Meditate And Multitask At The Same Time?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
According to an article on Bible.org, the term “meditation” means “the act of focusing one’s thoughts: to ponder, think on, muse.” Meditation consists of reflective thinking or contemplation, usually on a specific subject to discern its meaning or significance or a plan of action.
Some synonyms would be contemplation, reflection, rumination, deep thinking, or remembering in the sense of keeping or calling something to mind for the purpose of consideration, reflection, or meditation (see article).
When we consider multitasking, we are considering an individual who “performs two or more tasks simultaneously.” However, brain researchers say that what many people call multitasking should really be called “rapid toggling” between tasks, as the brain focuses quickly on one topic, then switches to another, and another (source).
Brain expert Annie Murphy Paul, who writes, “The Brilliant Blog,” tells us that “many people overestimate their ability to multitask, such as the college student who thinks he can text and listen to a lecture simultaneously — He cannot.”
Regarding multitasking, Ms. Paul makes the following eye-opening observation:
“Multitasking while doing academic work — which is very, very common among young people — leads to spottier, shallower, less flexible learning” (source – see under heading, “Overestimated Abilities”).
What does the above observation tell us?
That we cannot successfully meditate and multitask at the same time — and this includes the study of God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).
Therefore, when the Psalmist talks about those who “delight in the law of the Lord …. meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2), he is talking about those who “ponders” God’s inspired truths by reflective thinking or contemplation.
Perhaps this is one reason why God’s word is not being studied or meditated upon like it was three generations ago. We simply have far too many digital “gadgets” at our disposal that distract our ability to totally concentrate on God’s word for any long length of time.
What’s the solution? We should designate a place in our homes (or office) where there is complete privacy and quietness — where no distractions exist (no cell phones allowed!) — a place where we might not only offer uninterrupted prayer to our heavenly Father (Matthew 6:6), but a place whereby we might effectively study and meditate on God’s word as well.
Let’s think about it! And then take any necessary action.