Thoughts to Ponder
“The wiser the soul, the greater the simplicity. In everything.”
The Universe*
That is an understatement if ever there was one, but it seems to contradict our current lifestyles. We hustle about from morning to night shuffling work projects, going to the gym, running errands and fitting school events and medical appointments where we can. Statistically Americans take fewer vacation days per year than any other nationality. Why is that?
Did we listen too closely when our elders told us, “Idle hands are the Devil’s workshop”? Are we expressing our determination to be the “best” in the world?” The best what? Manufacturer? Money maker? The smartest student? If those are the reasons, we are defeating ourselves with our keep busy at any cost mentality.
I’m not suggesting that we sit idly and wait for prosperity, fame and academic achievement to bless us with bounty. Yet, there is a point when we spend too much time doing and not enough time being. I once heard a wise person say, “There is a reason we’re called human beings rather than human doings.” She was telling us that we must find a balance between our overly rushed schedules and rest and regeneration time so we can resuscitate our souls and bodies.
Our current and past role models have set us a good example. The Dalai Lama spends hours each day teaching but he also meditates, eats good food, exercises and socializes. Mother Teresa was an example of charity in action, yet she found time each day to refresh her body and spirit. Even our presidents have taken frequent vacations from the demands of daily White House activities. They stay in touch with what is important yet, take a break from constant meetings.
If we study history we read that many of our national and international heroes took time to be quiet in the midst of chaos. We can also look at the lives of Jesus and the Buddha, both of whom spent hours teaching, yet also spent time socializing and praying.
Can we do less? I’m not suggesting any particular form of relaxation or meditation/prayer. Nor am I telling you what the ratio should be. I’m simply asking you to evaluate your life for balance and take the necessary action to set your priorities. Determine how much time to devote to your work, family, social activities and personal quiet time.
For a while you may need to pencil relaxation or meditation into your appointment calendar. I’m certain that once you develop the habit you’ll be almost instantly aware when you’ve missed your quiet time. It will be easy to spot. You’ll be irritable, stressed and overwhelmed. That will be your clue to take a few minutes to sit quietly, breathe deeply and remind yourself that calm produces more effective decisions and actions than forcing a solution.
Spirit,
Thank you for teachers who show us how to live balanced lives. Thank you also for giving us unease to show us when we are out of balance. Thank you for reminding us that finding our way from stress to calm is just a few slow, deep breaths and a moment of clearing our brain of its busyness. And, so it is.
*A Note from the Universe, August 12, 2016, www.tut.com
© by Sharon D. Dillon, August 18, 2016
Sharon D. Dillon, energywriter@cox.net, http://energywriter.me “Laugh your way to peace, love and joy” Author of Echoes of your Choices, 2016, available as an e-book or paperback at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other online sites.
Chesapeake Bay Writers, Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop, Southern Humorists, National Society of Newspaper Columnists, Voices of Williamsburg Toastmasters Club.
Laugh your way to peace, love and joy 
This is a good question – lately I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to do less – and also to give to charity.
So true. A balance of work and relaxation is what we all need.
I find when the world gets too suffocating, I go off to the woods with me camera. The woods is relaxing, with a quiet noise, and the camera helps me see without having to consciously work at it.
Excellent solution. Sometimes I go to the park and just walk until I’m relaxed again. But – I have to keep my eyes on the ground. I’m a bit of a klutz. When I want to look around I have to stop and stand in one place. That’s okay. It gives me a moment to absorb what I see.
Good advice. I often wonder why people are so busy and in such a hurry. Where are we going and is everything we miss worth it when we get there?
I wonder that too. I see people rushing to go nowhere.
Excellent advice — wonderfully stated, Sharon. And timely, too, with a busy summer for many people soon to be succeeded by a busier autumn (as another commenter noted).
Thank you, Dave. That commenter is my daughter. She’s very wise.
Wonderful post with a message I need to be reminded. As I write this, I am at the beach on a forced vacation which I uneasily love. As you can see, I am still checking email but on the rehabilitative road, haha! Very good, Sharon, muchas gracias por compartir la sabuduria!
Thank you, Daniel. Sit on the beach under an umbrella and watch the waves. Let your imagination take you on journeys over and under the water. Breathe deeply and feel the salty air refresh you.
Well done. Great reminder as we head back toward the busy fall days.
Thank you. Try to keep your busy days calm.