Ask Baba Yaga: How Do I Get Rid Of A Demanding Work Ethic?

Transcript after the jump.

Dear Baba Yaga,
How do I get rid of that demanding work ethic that has overtaken so many Americans? I want to enjoy a quiet afternoon of slow reading and not feel that twinge of guilt — “you could be cleaning out the closet,” etc.

BABA YAGA:
Inside of work is the promise of transformation: broom the closet & you will spin an egg from gold inside you — you hope that after more workings, yr whole new being will emerge from the gold. ;But some labors are too great for the little gold they spin, & after many sweepings & dustings you are clean & the egg waits. Who , knows what will trulymost crack it open? Sit in yr long afternoons & do not move: watch what the light might do to seduce a cracking, though you touch nothing.,

Previously: How Long Should I Wait For My Friend?

Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. She’s taking questions on behalf of Baba Yaga at [email protected].