Modern living is characterised by busyness and rushing. As a result we’re more anxious and find it hard to simply stop and breathe. We actually feel guilty for resting! But taking some time to be still is essential for our wellbeing.
When Nelson Mandela visited France after being released from prison he was asked what he wanted to do most. He answered that what he wanted was to sit and do nothing - since he was released from prison he hadn’t stopped, it had been one event and tour after another.
Our lives can be the same, we can set ourselves up to be ‘doing’ or running all of the time, we overload ourselves and don’t do the most important thing we can do for our wellbeing - stop, breathe and be still. Our bodies and mind have a power to heal if we give ourselves a chance to rest and train ourselves to reduce our stress.
Its feels like I’ve been caught up in ‘doing’ recently - I have a day job that's been very stressful and I’ve probably taken on too much outside of work as well. I’m normally good at carving out space to do nothing but the last few weeks has been an exceptionally busy period. Its good to remind ourselves that we don’t have to run hot all the time, we don’t have to meet our full potential, we can just be.
And the purpose of life is to be, not to do. When we give ourselves the chance to just be, we become calmer. That calmness leads to insight into our suffering, allowing us to let go of it. Letting go of suffering frees us to live in peace; when we live a calm and peaceful life we become more aware of the suffering of others, leading to compassion. When we feel compassion we feel compelled to act to make the world a better place. That's why taking the time to stop, rest and just be - for ourselves but for everyone else.
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