Every Time I Sit Down, I Feel ill-At-Ease

I have the prime desk spot in our house. It's tiny...just 1 1/2 meters in each direction, but I have these huge curved windows in front and to the left of me, with a view of the mountains.

I also don't have a door, or any electrical plugs, and am located right next to my children's bedrooms.

Which means, when I sometimes have evening meetings, I pop down to my husband's office, which is located in the back of the house away from going-to-sleep children.

His desk is facing the wall - a white, blank wall.

Every time I sit at his desk, I feel ill-at-ease.

I didn't understand why until recently, and it's all due to our shared reading of The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul!

Here's what I am learning:

1) My view of nature gives me a sense of ease due to its "perceptual fluency" and increase my ability to perform.

2) My exposure to natural light enhances creativity and productivity.

3) My gazing out the windows (as I am apt to do), create "micro-restorative opportunities" which replenish my mental resources every time I glance out the window.

4) When we have a sense of ownership over a place (my own desk area), we feel more confident and capable. We also are more efficient and productive. We are more focused and less distractible. (Not counting my window gazing.)

5) My desk is surrounded artifacts that re-affirm my identity, both personally and professionally. These cues to my identity support me to perform better and keep me motivated.

6) The objects on my desk also connect with the meaning and purpose in the work that I do. You'll find books everywhere, different colored pens, post-it-notes galore, plus a bell and candles. They remind me that my work is all about holding space for learning in creative ways.

And that's just from a couple of chapters. There is so much more in this book about how and where we do our best thinking and creating.

Does your desk have any of the qualities that mine has - a natural view, natural light, personal objects?

Originally posted on LinkedIn with comments.

Read Deeper Not Faster