One thing I learn from my trip to Paris
I read recently that everyone should have some disruption in their lives (Selling is Human - thanks +Felix Wong for the book) once in a while. A small disruption may be visiting a friend at work. Larger disruption may be to visit a foreign country. The idea is to get a jolt of the unfamiliar. It's a good way to get our of our rut. My wife and I just came back from a wonderful trip to France. Aside from being just plain fun, this trip developed some pretty darn insightful perspectives. Allow me to share these insights with y'all and maybe, just maybe, you will start to think just a little differently. That's my goal.
Why is the Canadian/ American culture generally more fast-paced and French is much more laid-back?
It's no secret that the Canadian culture (especially in larger cities) is more fast-pace then places such as France. On this trip, I wanted to learn a bit about the French culture and way of life. So, I pre-arranged a walking tour of Paris (through Paris Greeters). This was a very rewarding experience. Our guide, who spent a year studying in Canada, shares her insight on how the aggressive and the live-to-work culture came to be. She reckons that early settlers aims to survive. Life was harsh back then and enjoying life became the last thing on their minds. Moreover, explorers tend to be tough and tenacious. These attributes framed the early culture of what is now Canada and the US (I'm not sure about Mexico as I've never lived or worked there). This theory is incredible and makes good sense. In contrast, France and many European countries have been around for thousands of years. Despite hardships and wars, life for the most part carries on. I can appreciate if France, like an older and wiser wizard, tends to take it easy and enjoy life a bit more. While the whippersnappers that is Canada and the US tend to be a bit more energetic and aggressive.
I might also mention that there's no right or wrong - just different. I admire the gung-ho attitude of a patriotic American the same way I love the easy going pace of a Parisian to sit at a café reading book (maybe smoking a cigarette is more common).
The French take time for themselves and so should you...
The café culture dates back hundreds of years in France. There's nothing more relaxing than having a cup of your favorite beverage and literally watch the world unfold before you. You can read a book, have a smoke or have a conversation with a friend. You can even daydream. In France, you are allowed to do all those things. In fact, I would say that you are encouraged. There are some 12000 cafés in Paris alone! They are everywhere. What I love is that the wait staff doesn't bring you the bill unless you ask (they do so inconspicuously if they are busy). A cup of coffee is rent in Paris. You pay to park your ass down on a chair. This resting of the behind allows you to take time for yourself. Time to think, time to dream and time to get attuned with our inner thoughts and feelings. This exercise gains clarify of thoughts. That is, it helps us understand what makes us happy. And that, my friends, is worth the price of a cup of coffee.
I sometimes have difficulty sitting still. Even when I do sit still, I am usually watching TV or checking Facebook or reading an article. My mind seems to be always occupied by something. After I got back from France, I started going to coffee shop just to sit and almost turn my mind off. I watch people go by and think about nothing much. It sounds kind of weird but it's actually really nice. It feels soothing and that's when some of the best ideas start to be form. For example, you may realize that concert I've wanted to watch is coming up or that it's been too long since you've visited a close friend. The sensation is like giving your brain room to breathe.
So that's it. In a nutshell, that's one thing I learn from my short visit to France. I now appreciate how our fast-pace culture was developed from the survival instincts of our fore-fathers. Just once in a while, when you feel weary, treat yourself to a cup of cafe or a glass of wine and let your mind wander like a Parisian.
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| Canal St. Martin - where local Parisians relax with friends and a bottle of wine |
Why is the Canadian/ American culture generally more fast-paced and French is much more laid-back?
It's no secret that the Canadian culture (especially in larger cities) is more fast-pace then places such as France. On this trip, I wanted to learn a bit about the French culture and way of life. So, I pre-arranged a walking tour of Paris (through Paris Greeters). This was a very rewarding experience. Our guide, who spent a year studying in Canada, shares her insight on how the aggressive and the live-to-work culture came to be. She reckons that early settlers aims to survive. Life was harsh back then and enjoying life became the last thing on their minds. Moreover, explorers tend to be tough and tenacious. These attributes framed the early culture of what is now Canada and the US (I'm not sure about Mexico as I've never lived or worked there). This theory is incredible and makes good sense. In contrast, France and many European countries have been around for thousands of years. Despite hardships and wars, life for the most part carries on. I can appreciate if France, like an older and wiser wizard, tends to take it easy and enjoy life a bit more. While the whippersnappers that is Canada and the US tend to be a bit more energetic and aggressive.
I might also mention that there's no right or wrong - just different. I admire the gung-ho attitude of a patriotic American the same way I love the easy going pace of a Parisian to sit at a café reading book (maybe smoking a cigarette is more common).
 |
| Café sitting facing street: quintessential part of the Parisian experience |
The café culture dates back hundreds of years in France. There's nothing more relaxing than having a cup of your favorite beverage and literally watch the world unfold before you. You can read a book, have a smoke or have a conversation with a friend. You can even daydream. In France, you are allowed to do all those things. In fact, I would say that you are encouraged. There are some 12000 cafés in Paris alone! They are everywhere. What I love is that the wait staff doesn't bring you the bill unless you ask (they do so inconspicuously if they are busy). A cup of coffee is rent in Paris. You pay to park your ass down on a chair. This resting of the behind allows you to take time for yourself. Time to think, time to dream and time to get attuned with our inner thoughts and feelings. This exercise gains clarify of thoughts. That is, it helps us understand what makes us happy. And that, my friends, is worth the price of a cup of coffee.
I sometimes have difficulty sitting still. Even when I do sit still, I am usually watching TV or checking Facebook or reading an article. My mind seems to be always occupied by something. After I got back from France, I started going to coffee shop just to sit and almost turn my mind off. I watch people go by and think about nothing much. It sounds kind of weird but it's actually really nice. It feels soothing and that's when some of the best ideas start to be form. For example, you may realize that concert I've wanted to watch is coming up or that it's been too long since you've visited a close friend. The sensation is like giving your brain room to breathe.
So that's it. In a nutshell, that's one thing I learn from my short visit to France. I now appreciate how our fast-pace culture was developed from the survival instincts of our fore-fathers. Just once in a while, when you feel weary, treat yourself to a cup of cafe or a glass of wine and let your mind wander like a Parisian.
Think I read somewhere that the unconscious part of your brain works to solve your problems even when you're not consciously thinking about it...so it makes sense to have some time away from thinking about those problems...it may actually help! Great post!
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