DOING VS. BEING
HOW TO LIVE IN THE NOW
Happiness eludes human beings when we are focused on "Doing" instead of "Being." People often make a case of why they should be happy, stating that "I have a good job, own a house, drive a reliable car, and have a support system." You engage in self-comparison, saying, "other people do not have it as good, as I do, so I should be happy." Yet, it seems that your formula for happiness is incomplete.
Life on Autopilot
"Doing" is checking off your daily to-do list, weekly, monthly, yearly, and accomplishing your goals, whether personal or professional, when we are doing it is unconscious and goal-driven. You may experience a brief feeling of excitement and accomplishment, but a new goal quickly replaces it.
Living in the Now
"Being" is a state of awareness that involves presence, intention, and attention. When you are in the present moment, you are conscious of your life and make decisions in the present moment. For example, if you woke up in the morning and set an intention to be kind to yourself and others. That's an intention for the present day, and it's about your approach. How you show up every day in your life matters because the decisions you make, the way you interact with people, and yourself determines your state of consciousness.
Balancing Doing with Being
There is nothing wrong with getting things done. However, the concern lies in the primary mode in which you function. When you are always in "doing" mode, you merely overdo it. You overthink, overeat/drink, overwork, talk too much, exercise too much, and do things in overabundance. Have you ever had a hard time falling asleep due to flooding of thoughts at bedtime? That happens because you spent all day avoiding uncomfortable feelings and emotions. The things that are on your mind are things you have not processed. When you are on autopilot, it does not allow for living in the present moment.
5 Ways to be More Present
Check-in with yourself, practice deep breathing throughout the day
Set an intention for the day
Self-reflect at the end of your day
Take breaks before you need them
Try a Body Scan meditation.
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