We are human BEINGs not human doings

Do you ever find yourself rushing from one thing to the next, thinking “I can just relax once I do XY and Z” ?

This is the trap of the matrix.

Today I give this shit up!

In our society today, we have be sold the narrative that our worth is in doing. That only if we have the job, the family, do the things, look the part, have the thriving side business, have a fit body, and on top of that be a stable “happy” person with a hefty savings/smart investments, the list could go on forever and it does.

Social media only reinforces these false ideals with picture perfect (insert the algorithm for you here).

This is not how we are supposed to live!

One day back in 2014 I was sitting in the breakfast area of a bustling hotel in Delhi, India. While sipping on some fresh watermelon juice a Tibetan monk in his orange kasaya sat down next to me. We chatted for a bit, the usual small talk of “what brought you here, where are your travels leading you?”. The main part of the conversation that will always permeate my being is this :

I asked him what he thought the biggest differences between Westerners way of living and the way he chooses to live. His answer was effortless and gentle ~ “well, westerners are always doing, working, going somewhere, doing something. While we choose to sit in presence and just being. We are human beings and not human doings after all”.

This idea hit me like no other. It also happened to be a jet lagged day 2 of a 20 something day trip that was full of course work and activities, so I had plenty of time to marinate in the essence of this statement.

And well obviously now I have had 11 years to consider it now, but why am I still hustling to finish the never ending to do list? Why am I still so anxious about the sink of dishes and piles of laundry?

Well, because when neurons fire together they wire together. From a yogic lens these pathways in our brain are called samskaras or pathways of the past which continue to strengthen as we continue the action/pattern.

Each moment, each day we have a new opportunity to practice this test.

Do you approach the mountain of a todo list and grind until the candle is burned out and smoking?

Or do you decide your nonnegotiable tasks, layer in self care and things that bring you back to life, and move intentionally through your day?

The choice is ours. This is how we can take back the power and live an intentional life.

I get it. Discipline is important. But let’s get real, some insta influencer can’t tell you your ideal morning routine. Only you can uncover that for yourself!

I challenge you to sit in the seat of the observer. Watch when your emotions flare up and become chaotic. Recall what led up to that point. Ask yourself how you played a part in it. Without shame or judgement, just witness. This is all information.

From here think about if these actions / ways of being are inline with your values and intentions for living. If not, now you have the data to craft an action plan to shift those actions.

Remember : take time to JUST BE. You are not your titles or accomplishments or children or household. You are YOU. A beautiful life filled being. You deserve the space to uncover who that truly is. Find them in the stillness. The pause between the breath.

As always, 

𝓢𝓽𝓪𝔂 𝓖𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓭, 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝔂 𝓖𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰

Gratefully

Megan