Being busy and overworked has become part of our current collective conditioning because we often equate busyness with self-worth and status. The moment we wake up in the morning we are already busy thinking about all of the things we need to do throughout the day ahead. As we contemplate our priorities we place some kind of 'doing' at the top of our list.
I used to be addicted to busyness. I could not sit still for longer than five minutes without feeling the urgent need to be doing something productive. There was always something drawing my attention for me to work on. I was unaware that I had made busyness the purpose of my life. In all of my busyness I forgot to look after myself.
It was not until I burnt out that I was forced to do nothing. My battery was so flat that no matter how much I wanted to be doing something, I simply couldn't. When I surrendered to giving my body the rest it so desperately needed I discovered the precious gift of allowing myself to be still. I learned that being still is incredibly powerful. In being still I could finally feel my body communicating with me. As I took the time to listen I found that I had access to a sense of inner understanding and a level of intuition that I never previously knew existed. The same deep well of wisdom and voice of guidance that resides within us all and connects us with each other.
If, like me you have spent what seems like your whole life being busy, then practicing being still can be extremely challenging. Even now, I need to remind myself to take time to be still, otherwise old busyness habits will try to creep back in.
The purpose of your life is not to be as busy as possible... Being busy can be purposeful and productive, but when you are permanently busy, it is a sure sign that your busyness conceals a lack of clarity, a fear of inadequacy, feelings of unworthiness, and a lack of faith in your soul's ability to help you live your purpose. Dr Robert Holden
Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu once said 'When nothing is done, nothing is left undone'. This used to completely bemuse me but what I notice time and time again if I start to feel myself tapering towards overscheduling, overcommitting or overextending myself, is that if I purposefully lessen my load and give myself permission to do nothing, more miraculously ends up getting done.
If you are addicted to busyness I encourage you to experiment with inviting silence into your life. Give yourself permission to be still and do nothing when you feel most inclined to resist taking rest. Silence can be a powerful tool to help combat busyness. It assists us in hearing our inner voice and connects us with our inner resources.