Slowing down for the sake of productivity

By Mackenzie Miller

Before leaving for service, Hillary told us that the goal of service is not productivity. As a chronically busy person, I was concerned. I knew going into SST that I would struggle to slow down. I’m usually either going 100 km/h or parked along the street (not to brag but I can in fact parallel park). For these 5 weeks I am living in Guaranda (population 30k~) and working in Salinas (population 700~) at their local community radio station. I commute to work via public transport in the form of a pick-up truck in which I ride the entire 50-so minute commute. This is the time I have found helps me slow down the most. There’s no use trying to be productive while commuting, especially when your commute is as gorgeous as mine is. While in Guaranda I get a great view of the volcano Chimborazo as the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening when I leave for and return from work. After seeing Micah enthusiastically point out every single volcano we passed while road-tripping during Study, I have learned to never take for granted a good view of a volcano.

My commute winds through the Andean Mountains as the sun perfectly illuminates the landscape. Many indigenous peoples in Ecuador have farms and fields on the side of the mountains. During my commute that sometimes looks like some farmers taking a herd of cows for a walk down the steep road; a lamb napping right out the window. But my favourite thing to see is the fields. They make the mountains look like a handmade quilt — reminiscent of home.

The mountains themselves always remind me of home. Growing up I had the Canadian Rockies out my back porch, then living in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley — the mountains have always brought me peace. Slowing down to take in the mountains is when I find myself most grounded. I don’t need to worry about editing photos, sending emails, doing homework or even responding to texts.

This commute helps give me the time and space to process this experience fully. I find myself
grateful for this experience — a fully immersive intercultural witness. The opportunity to serve at a local community radio station, help as I am able but also learn from the incredibly rich community in Salinas. I also often find myself thinking about home; the familiarity, the comfort — my favourite foods and time spent with my friends and family. Without slowing down, I don’t know if I would be able to appreciate the journey as much as I am now; exploring the nuances and recognizing my emotions and biases. Sometimes the most productive thing is allowing yourself to slow down.