I've recently noticed that hardly a day goes by when I'm not thinking about or doing something to improve my life. It can be anything from researching new kitty litter to building a B&B in Hawaii just so I can have fresh papaya every day. It hardly ever stops _ unless I'm dealing with the problem du jour _ and I've decided it's time to take a break from pushing myself. Makes me wonder if trying to do all this growth work hasn't made me shrink in other ways.
I only bring this up because, back in the day, we used to call people who went to every workshop around "self-development junkies." I don't need a workshop, because my own head takes me there _ the funny part is I used to lead those workshops, and I was so into it. Now it's a much different story. My goals have changed, and a peaceful life is more attractive than ever. One does not always have to be growing to be green and fruitful.
Taking a break, even from personal growth, is more important than you may realize. First of all, you need some downtime to absorb what you've been taking in, if you want it to become part of your personality. Second, if you are constantly sitting in judgment of yourself and evaluating where you are in the world, you may not be living your full life. The phrase "paralysis by analysis" comes to mind.
So, this morning, as I looked at the lake, I thought to myself, things don't need to get any better. I just need to learn how to enjoy what is going on in the present moment. It's kind of Zen, I know, but maybe there is a reason all this mindfulness stuff is being taught in the psychology departments of many schools and the books keep flying off the shelves. There is something to just letting yourself be and enjoying that process. But it's harder if you are used to always doing something. John Bradshaw once asked, "Are you a human being or a human doing?" We should all ask ourselves the same question.
I'm not saying you need to quit your job and give all your earthly possessions away to live a life of meditation and contemplation. I just think we all need a break from whatever it is we are doing or thinking, and this break can take place right in your head. You don't need to go anywhere or change anything but your thinking.
By telling yourself that you are okay right where you are, you are giving your soul a chance to take a deep breath and relax. This isn't a lifestyle change, but it would be healthy to integrate a few moments of mindfulness into your current one. Every culture in history has taken one day a week _ away from the everyday world of striving _ to just be, meditate, or pray.
I think the modern world and our DNA have taught us to be hyperaware of where we are at every moment on every level. That's a hard way to live, so give yourself that downtime you have earned, and ease up on yourself. Funny thing is that when you do it, other people will ease up on you as well.
