3 Reasons You Can't Rush a Good Ponder
It’s funny how often folks confuse quiet with idle, and stillness with laziness. I’ve heard it plenty: “You just sittin’ there?” And I always want to answer, “Nope. I’m thinkin’—just real deliberate.”
Around here, we call that ponderin’. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can’t rush a good ponder. Here’s why:
1. Pondering Finds What Hustle Misses
When I was younger, I ran full-speed at every idea. No pause, no second thoughts—just go. That gave me some mighty good stories. Also gave me messes. Turns out, a little stillness up front can save a heap of cleanup later.
When I take the time to ponder, I notice things I might’ve missed. A feeling under the surface. A flaw in the plan. A better route altogether. It’s like givin’ your mind time to scout the trail before you hit the gas. Fast thinking has its place, sure. But deliberate thinking? That’s where the gold is.
2. Wandering Minds Build Better Paths
I read somewhere—University of Arizona, I think—that letting your mind wander on purpose actually boosts creativity and decision-making. Not the “oops, I zoned out in a meeting” kind, but the “let’s let this thought drift and see where it lands” kind. That’s a ponder.
I’ve done some of my best thinking with my boots off, staring at a tree. You can’t chart new territory if you never leave the main road. Same goes for thoughts.
3. Pondering Teaches You to Sit With Yourself
We live in a loud world. Always scrolling, always chirping. But a ponder requires quiet. Not just outside, but inside too. It asks you to sit with yourself—and not rush to fill the silence. That’s where clarity happens. Not always comfort, but clarity.
Sometimes I don’t find answers while I ponder. But I always find me. That’s worth something.
I didn’t always know this. Back before the thing happened that made me reevaluate how I was livin’, I kept moving for the sake of movin’. Now? I’ve got a chair that fits my back just right and a view that slows time. That’s enough to start a ponder right there.
So, next time you catch yourself gettin’ antsy because nothing’s happenin’, maybe something is—just underneath the surface. Let it rise in its own time.
Sunsets don’t hurry. Bread don’t rise faster if you yell at it. And you? You don’t become wiser by skippin’ the sit. Take time to ponder.
--Archie (Chief Philosopher)
PS. We don't have a specific shirt to offer as a reminder, but we do have several from the Front Porch Philosopher's series that may do the trick.
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