Observe: Fidget, Fidget

I'm going to say something controversial in Speaker land. I support the fidget.

I'm not saying I think we should do it but I respect what the body is trying to do.

Without discussing any real medical conditions that can manifest fidgeting, we know some stuff. We fidget when we need to discharge physical energy. We do it to discharge anxiety or nervousness. We do in order to focus. All extremely human reasons to be doing a thing. In fact, the medical community is writing a lot about fidgeting and in defense of fidgeting. But I get it, it still bothers some.

What I'd like you to consider is the why of that.

If you are a chronic fidgeter, you already know, and people will always remind you. How do you respond when you see others do it? With empathy, annoyance, or something else? If you don't tend to fidget, what about it is so exasperating or even threatening?

That fact is that we are steeped in a culture of stillness. But stillness is not a natural state for humans. We are built for movement.

Today, observe your commute. Note who is moving and how. Note stillness and how it manifests in different people. See if you notice an active fidget and check in with how you feel about that.

Our reactions are invariably about our personal story and how we try to conform, when we try to conform. In all things, I hope you will apply kindness and empathy liberally.