human beings, not human doings

“In stillness, the world is restored.” — Lao Tzu.

We are called human beings, not human doings, for a reason. And yet it seems there’s a certain franticness in humanity, with every soul rushing around manically, searching for their own purpose and meaning.

We have a peculiar notion ingrained in us that unless we are doing something, anything at all, we are wasting time. We fear being left in the wake while our peers stampede off without us.

But all this doing and trying and pushing and pulling is exhausting. It keeps our nervous system in a state of fight or flight. And yet, we keep doing it because we are rewarded for it. As the author says in this article, talking about being busy or stressed has become a badge of honour.

I’m the first to admit I struggle with stillness. I’ve long been a victim of the false belief that being busy is virtuous and aspirational.

The truth is many of us keep ourselves busy because we are avoiding our inner thoughts. Maybe instead of running, it’s time to stop and face our demons.