We are all busy creatures. For better or worse – okay for worse – that seems to be part and parcel of modern life. But what are we actually doing? Are we working toward goals that matter to us? Are we acting thoughtfully to become better people, and professionals, and parents? Or are we just flitting around the cosmos, full of blustery and blurry motion?
Stop. Think. Ask.
Are you truly acting? Or just moving around? Do questions like these make you uncomfortable for some reason?
Oh, this is such a great question. It seems that so many people wear busy-ness as a badge of honor, like it’s some yardstick by which we should measure the caliber of our lives. We so often chase around after our lives with no real purpose, and it’s exhausting. I’m not saying I don’t fall prey to it sometimes too. I’m just saying that it’s nothing to be proud of.
I LOVE being not busy. I love down time and quiet time. I love having time that I get to fill with the “action” of my own choosing. It doesn’t happen often, but I love it when it does.
Yes, that badge of busy-ness… That’s exactly what I am talking about. And I do it too – I surrender to the frenzy of logistics and commitments and frenzy, but there are times when I step back from it a bit (such as when penning this post) and ask what really am I doing, where am I going, what is all this buzzing about? I do not think that everything we do in life can be full of meaning and purpose, but I’d like to think that much of what we do can? Unrealistic? Who knows. Thanks, you. xox
Here’s my counter to your question. I don’t necessarily disagree – putting no thought into your presence seems like a waste. But, I see far too many people acting (in very busy ways) in order to work towards a future goal, certainly working towards a better self/life, while failing to live in the moment today. I think it’s such a shame when we constantly look to the future – what if today is your last day?
Very good point. I don’t think Hemingway meant – and I certainly don’t mean – that we should only act with an eye toward the future or toward future goals, but rather that we should give some real thought to how we spend our days and our energy, that we shouldn’t spin around and spread ourselves so impossibly thin (a truly modern phenomenon) just for the sake of being in motion… Thanks, Nilsa, for the thoughtful comment!
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Whoa. I do a Seane Corn yoga video in the morning and she said something so similar. Love it!
Thanks, Pamela! I’m not familiar with Seane Corn but now you have me intrigued. Have a fab weekend – I owe you an email! xxox
It depends, a friend once pointed out he was a creature of habit, and I think that goes for many of us. Also, a family member told me, idleness leads to nothingless. If we don’t move, take action, and do something we become like zombies for lack of a better word. In other words, Confucious pointed out “it really doesn’t matter what we do, or how slow we go, as long as we keep moving.” And, from the movie, “Ferris Bruellars Day off, Life moves pretty fast, if we don’t stop and look around sometime we might miss it.” There is a balance, and I believe it takes a life time to achieve that balance between doing nothing and always moving. Very insightful post Aidan, hope you and your family are having a wonderful Friday. God bless you.
Ah yes, to find that elusive balance between nothingness and endless movement… Thanks, Monica!
For the first time in my adult life, I can honestly say that I am moving actively forward; I have a plan; life is good.
And once you know the difference, you’ll never accept less from yourself or anyone else.
This is honestly so inspiring to read, Natalie. So so cool. Would love to know more…
I make it a point of trying to do one thing each work that will benefits a stranger, such as organizing a clothing drive or working in a soup kitchen. My downtime has to be scheduled around my volunteer commitments, which forces me to be more mindful of how I spend my time outside of work.