We live in a multi-tasking world. It is impossible for us to do one thing at a time. Why accomplish only one thing, when we could tackle two or three things at once? I frequently find myself typing on my BlackBerry, listening to music, stirring a pot, pouring milk, averting disaster and conquering the world all at the same time. We drive while chatting on the phone, scanning the radio, handing snacks to our kids in the backseat, and yelling at the moron ahead of us on the highway. It’s a miracle we can fall asleep at night. If we could find a way to simultaneously sleep and send email, potty train our toddler, walk our dog and cure cancer, we would.

With my lofty 2010 goals and New Year’s resolutions already lying in tatters behind me, my newfound goal for the year is to embrace uni-tasking; to take a breath and take the time to be fully present in a moment, at least occasionally. I have no illusions about doing this constantly. I mean, please, let’s be realistic. If I can’t fold laundry and check my email while watching Yo Gabba Gabba with my son, when would anything get done?

Now I know none of us need another item on our "to do" list, so let’s find the built-in moments to breathe. Here are just a few of my ideas on how to uni-task in 2010. Let me know what other ideas you have!

• - Take a breath and just wait while your coffee brews or your water boils.
• - Enjoy the free moment to sit and wait while your computer boots up.
• - Have breakfast or dinner with your kids and just talk with them.
• - Calmly wait in line at the grocery store, without counting the number of items in the person’s basket in front of you.
• - Catch up with your spouse at the end of the day – no TV, no phone, no email, no BlackBerry.
  – Do part of your next workout without your book, magazine or headphones.
• - Once a week, just eat lunch without doing anything else. Really enjoy it, without checking Facebook, paying bills, or making a grocery list.

photo istockphoto.com