Are You a Human Being or Just a Human Doing?

Recently, I have felt like my "to do" list has grown out of control.  Every time I accomplish something - whether it be cleaning out my Outlook inbox (which is quite a feat in itself!) or running errands around town - I feel like there's not even enough time to pause, cross it off the list, take a deep breath, and celebrate the accomplishment because I jump right in to the next item on the list.  The pace of my life as of late feels like it's in fast-forward, the Star Wars type of hyperspeed space travel that is striving to move a the speed of light...to infinity and beyond as Buzz Lightyear might say!  

As a woman of action - who also has grown to appreciate downtime and moments of solitude - I am driven to achieve great and exciting things, but not at the expense of myself and my relationships. So what happens when I want to just stop the spaceship, or even throw it in reverse to capture some of the precious time that I've blown past in the galaxy of busyness?  When can I just pause to savor the stillness of a moment or bask in the glory of accomplishment as I continue on to achieve more and more? 


So I ask myself: Am I am human being or simply just a human doing?


Just let that land in your heart for a moment and consider the significance of this statement. Set the lists aside, take off your watch, and just be still. No, not forever...because as people we're driven by so many forces - but for this moment, just simply be with yourself and notice how you feel.


Tired?


Happy?


Anxious?


Bored?


Truly Fulfilled?  (If you answered yes to this, please email me and tell me your secret!)

I often tell my students that life offers so much that we are able to absorb and soak in...but like any sponge, we have to take time to squeeze out and process these experiences in order to make meaning of our lives.  And if we don't, we remain an over-saturated, sopping, stinky sponge with no additional capacity to absorb anything else. Yuck!


So how do we stop to squeeze out our sponge?  


What do we do to make time from "being" before we hit our saturation point from "doing" so much?


Why is our "to do" list driving the pace of our lives rather than the authentic relationships that we are blessed to have? 


I've been thinking about these questions all week, wanting to offer easy "quick fix" solutions and five-step programs that promise transformation, but alas, life is just a little too complex and FULL for those to work their magic.  But what I have discovered is that there are some basic principles that you can apply to help quell the anxiety that often fuels the "doer" in us all, and reconnect with your authentic self as you move forward to accomplish great things.  So here you go!




Reconnecting as a Human Being:

1) Calm your Striving Spirit of "Do" - Don't allow yourself to get so caught up in what needs to be done that you forget who you are as a person.  Tell your striving spirit to calm down, chill out, and enjoy the journey.  






2) Intentionally Take the Scenic Route - Instead of finding the fastest, most strategic way to get something done, make the willing choice to go the long way, explore new territory, or make time for a welcome adventure.  You'll enjoy the process more AND the product will still get done - often in a more fun way!




3)  Be Kind to Yourself - Make time to do things that honor who you are and what you need, from yoga classes, to brisk morning walks, to steamy cups of coffee or tea.  Whatever your simple pleasure is (or BIG pleasure!), treat yourself well.