I have recently read a post from zen habits about “being still”. It described today’s society as one that is in constant motion; one where we spend each moment doing something or another. A busy lifestyle is seen as one that is productive and engaging; on the contrary when we are being idle or still we are percieved as being lazy or inefficient. As a consequence we try to jam pack as much as we can in a day; when we get a spare moment we’ll check our emails, our phones or read up on news. We feel the need to constantly bombard ourselves with information so that we seem to make the most out of 24 hour day.
However while we might be achieving more, there is a price to pay. In the exact words of Leo (founder of zen habits) “This comes at a cost: we lose that time for contemplation, for observing and listening. We lose peace.” Life is all about balance, and we can’t neglect the part of us that requires this peace. With that I decided to be still for a moment and reflect.
I sat and pondered on my current situation. I looked back 4 years ago, a fresh honours graduate going through a tough relationship. I suffered from depression, low self esteem, and a general lack of direction. It was tough back then, especially when I lacked the support I needed. It is a very long story (which I plan to graduately write about), but I am glad to have met many people along the way that made things better. Life is very different these days. I’m in more control of my life and much happier. I still have the down times but they don’t last. I have chosen to be happy.
Thinking back and reflecting makes me appreciate the things I have today. I enjoy my work, I am in good health and have a better half. Sometimes it is nice to be still; it makes you appreciate the things you have in life.
Tags: desire, development, life, lifestyle, reflection, self