Top 7 Accoutrements of Waiting

Through-out our whole lives we have been training for this moment – waiting. This hiatus – a gap in the run of being alive, we have curated a list of accessories to accompany you while we wait between our past and future.

Subconsciously or consciously, we design our own waiting rooms filled with routines, stimulus, pleasures and anxieties which help us participate to do waiting. Here are the top 7 Accoutrements of Waiting*, read the list accompanied by the Accoutrements of Waiting soundtrack.

To fully benefit, click play on the audio below now.

1. A White Room with Hard Uncomfortable Chairs

Popular in healthcare environments and airports.

2. A Copy of National Geographic

Out of date magazine, could be supplemented by Hello, OK or GQ.

3. A Pantry

A space full of ready to eat food in a crisis, pickling and tins of tomatoes are common.

4. A Smart Phone

Off the hook moments to waste time on social media and Candy Crush.

5. A Clock

Watch time go by and count the days.

6. A Marshmallow

A classic, keep it close and resist the urge to eat it so you can have better life outcomes.

7. The Hidden Track on a Vinyl Record

Listening to the hidden tracks on an old record to remind us that what is missing is just as important as what is on either side of it.

*After curating this list we asked, maybe we need to design the waiting better? 

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What are your accoutrements of waiting?

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A listical inspired from Ma-kin sense conversation on the phrase "waiting". The group of reflectors: John O’Reilly, Lorna Dallas-Conte, Laura Cloke, Catherine Smith, Rachel Marsden and Katherine Simpson. 

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What are ‘ma-kin sense’ articles?

Purpose

• Discuss as a group for 27 mins to reflect on a keyword that is prevalent or emerging in society. The conversation is written up as an article with doodles and notes accompanied.

Format 

• Each person shares their observations on the key word and riff off each other.

So what

• The conversation is for self-reflection and collective transfer of knowledge – nothing more, nothing less. 

• It is an opportunity to be in the moment, experimental and experiential to poke and prod as a collection of voices to excavate and test the edges of our boundaries.