Today on my walk through the suburbs I listened to a violin piece by Paganini called “Perpetual Motion.” This work goes up and down the scale in an almost manic manner,and it reminds me, I’ll admit, of myself.

I’ve always liked to be on the move. I enjoy walking, running, biking, swimming — activities that keep the old body moving. This is fine, of course, good for the heart and lungs and large muscles. It’s good for the mind, too; it scours away worries and anxieties.

Perpetual motion can be a problem, however, especially when you don’t allow yourself time to process one task or emotion before you move on to the next. In that case, efficiency can be counterproductive. It stifles creativity, which thrives in a looser loam. So as I was walking I vowed to be less productive in the future. Not today, though. I have too much to do!