Have You Tried "Nothing?"

Modern technology encourages us to do rather than to be.

When was the last time you just paused to be? Research suggests that many of us feel uncomfortable to be alone with our own thoughts.

Doing is easier than being. Doing may give us a sense of control, but the ability to be on our own with our thoughts is a key to creativity.

I find connecting with nature to be an easy way to experience BEING versus DOING because nature just IS.

So last night as I was pondering what to write about this week, I experienced this beautiful, aromatic opening of my night-blooming cereus. How else can you explain this flower that blooms just one night each year? Nature just IS.

Even the Navy Seals have learned that at times it is better to "just be" and do nothing until a solution shows itself. They test this by “drown-proofing.” With their feet bound together, and their hands tied behind their backs, they are thrown into a 9-foot-deep pool.

The key to their survival is not strength, not endurance, not even their ability to swim. The key is to stop doing and to “just be.” Mark Manson describes it as "The trick to drown-proofing is to actually let yourself sink to the bottom of the pool. From there, you lightly push yourself off the pool floor and let your momentum carry you back to the surface. Once there, you can grab a quick breath of air and start the whole process over again."

Our human instinct is to take control and to do. May we all keep in mind that sometimes it is better to do nothing and to just pause until a solution shows itself.

This Week's Focus:

This week, when you are stuck for an idea or solution, stop DOING and make it a point to pause and experience just BEING.