The Lost Art of Pausing: A Glimpse into Our Restless Lives

As I stroll through the bustling, vibrant streets of Mexico City, showcasing the unique cultural approach to work and energy. Here, people definitely work hard—but they don’t carry this constant tension with them like an invisible backpack full of obligations.

Cultural Speed Comparison: China Speed, American Hustle & German Angst

Last week, my husband told me about his American colleagues who proudly described their way of working as “American Pace.” That got us thinking. Yes, we all know slogans like “Just do it”... But what does “Pace” actually mean here? We recognize the American speed, but it differs significantly from others we’ve experienced so far.

China – A Relentless Machine That Never Asks ‘Why?’

“China Speed” was something we witnessed during our time in Shanghai. It felt like a machine that never stops, yet never wonders “Why?” In conversations with Chinese women, I learned that these “Tiger Moms” found it completely normal to chase their children out of bed at 5:00 AM to practice piano.

Japan in the Early 21st Century: Snoozing on the G

I fondly remember our years in Japan, how we and our children laughed ourselves silly about sleeping Japanese people. It seemed Japanese could sleep anywhere: in the metro, in coffee shops, even during meetings with the boss at work. This was so foreign to us. Then: Absolute company loyalty characterized this nation. Japanese maintain long work hours. They never left the company. Newspaper articles from that period reported a surge in divorces among women over 60, citing their inability to cope with retired husbands at home. Those women described their behavior as incredibly tiring and demanding, with a complete dependence on others, similar to the needs of very young children.

Mexican Rhythm vs. German Punctuality: When Timeliness Becomes a Burden

And now? We’re living in Mexico City for a while. German punctuality has given us endless hours of waiting and anger over unreliability. A mindset that Mexicans find incomprehensible. Although... our salsa teacher David has heard about the German virtue of punctuality and is more punctual than we are. Oh, have we already adapted?

The prevalent rhythm is Mexican, however. Individuals operate. They seem like a highly coordinated team. Things always have a way of working out. People don’t view lateness as an offense, but as a creative expression.

And Germany? The clock ticks like a knife there.

• Punctuality as dogma
• Diligence as morality

As I reflect on the situation today, a thought crosses my mind: Could our worries be baseless panic? A deep-seated concern about not keeping pace with progress fuels the pervasive fear of falling behind. Worried about not being sufficient... Is German Angst masquerading as virtue?

The Diligence Myth: Virtue or Socially Accepted Fear?

Our famed German diligence may be less a virtue, a more collective trauma. An anxiety disorder in socially acceptable clothing. The fear of not surviving, of being worthless, of being punished if you pause.

What if this constant battle against my rhythm is the real reason for my stress? Not the work itself, but this permanent resistance against my nature? It’s as if I’m trying to fight against gravity and wondering why I’m exhausted.

Smartphone vs. Human: Who Really Gets More Downtime?

What frightens me most: While I take updates, regeneration, and “charging time” for granted for my smartphone, I treat my body like an inexhaustible resource. As if I didn’t have my active-passive rhythm that wants to be respected.

System Check: China Burns You Out, Germany Eats Your Soul

In China I saw: The system demands total dedication—but it’s not a hypocrite. It tells you directly: “You’re a cog. Turn, or we’ll replace you.” But Germany? Packages pressure as strength of character. “Be diligent, be punctual, work, work, build your little house—otherwise you’re not a good person.” Insidious trick! This internalizes fear, masking it as your own “choice.”

The Sprint to Realization: When Cultures Fail, Where’s Your Break?

But not all that glitters is gold. Each culture, it would seem, has its own particular brand of harm.

• China Speed burns you up
• American Pace wears you down
• German Angst paralyzes you.

But Mexican Rhythm reminds us: There’s another way. Perhaps the true luxury is feeling your own pulse—not that of the machinery. Diligence is not a value when it’s born from fear. But a cry for help.

Return to Your True Pace: Quit the Self-Deception

Isn’t it absurd? We are the only creatures on this planet who refuse to respect their own biological rhythm. Earth’s purpose seems work, not life, for humans.

I wonder when this alienation actually began. Why have I unlearned how to listen to my boundaries? Perhaps that’s the real reason for the epidemic of exhaustion—we have forgotten how to stop.