A catalyst is used to increase the speed (or lets say intensity as well) of the reaction.
In our daily lives, we have the new bigger phone screen, louder, faster music, high intensity training, brighter lights, the watch on your wrist that gives you phone updates.
The dampener is typically used to reduce the intensity and amplitude of external forces. It makes the ride more “even,” so you can get on with your work.
This might be a practice – shutting down your internet so you can work, being mindful of your social media usage, or using breath attention to regulate your training for the long game.
Catalyists are sometimes helpful, but often falsely sold to us as a way to increase productivity or efficiency. Usually, all they are really doing is ramping up the user experience and heightening excitation.
Knowing the difference between the two and having a tool belt with both can be helpful.
