Moving and Shaking the Underpinnings of Busy

​Being busy has become such a norm in our society that we often find ourselves feeling bad about what we are not doing, rather than taking a larger look at the societal imbalances. Whether we are students, employees, entrepreneurs, or at-home parents, there are usually more to-do’s on our list than there is time to do them. So we try to adapt with less sleep, more caffeine, synchronizing calendars, task-managing apps, coordinated carpools and anything else that might help us get things done more efficiently. And, for those of us on a spiritually conscious path, we squeeze in a morning meditation or rush off to unwind at a yoga class at the end of the day. In our efforts to seek balance, we sprinkle in the rest and relaxation time, but rarely feel comfortable examining our deeper impulses to keep on going.

As our bodies become more exhausted, our souls begin to seek refuge. But are we really ready to release the busyness?

There are many reasons we chase time and fill our calendars. Beyond keeping a roof over our heads and bellies filled, we want to enjoy certain comforts, please others, do the right thing, and fit in with our communities. Letting go of the have-to’s can seem detrimental to these fundamental needs and desires.

Thankfully, we don’t have to become monastery monks to slow down. Though not always comfortable, we can learn to loosen our stronghold on our perceived obligations. Becoming aware of our essential ties to why we do what we do is an instrumental part of making a change. 

If you outline your average daily and weekly obligatory tasks, whether in a list or schedule format, you get a clearer picture of just how busy you are and why you’ve been longing for more breathing room. As well, what if you inserted the mound of other “shoulds” that you don’t have time for, but feel guilty about not doing? Yes, go ahead and pencil those in, too. 

Once your busy life is charted in front of you, meditate, journal and gently observe your underpinning. 

• Examine your have-to’s, should’s, it-would-be-nice’s, and extras on your plate.
  Where do I feel obligated? What are my “supposed to’s”? What makes me do what I do?

• Discern the beliefs behind your loyalty.
  What do I believe about myself or this situation that keeps me bound to doing it? How would I feel if I chose not to do this? What are my concerns if I don't do this?
• Feel into your emotional motives for staying busy.
  What does it feel like when I have nothing to do? What feelings come up for me when I am not being productive? 
• Remember your worthiness.
  Would I be any less worthy as a parent, employee or partner if I didn’t do…? What really defines my worthiness as a person?
• Embrace your discomforts and uncertainties as they arise.
  What if….? Well, why not?
• Consider your priorities and values.
  What are my fundamental values? Am I spending a significant amount of my time in alignment with them? What would my life look like if I lived according to my priorities rather than external obligations?
• Make alterations to your commitments.
  What baby steps can I take to let go of my busyness? What can I downsize, delegate or – better yet – delete? 
• Practice cultivating simplicity and listening to your inner guidance.
  What would be joyfully simple in this moment? What do my heart and soul want me to do?

Getting adjusted to a slower, more simplified lifestyle isn’t quite so easy. Our needs, beliefs, loyalties and fears can be so powerful that breaking free can cause inner anguish as well as judgment from others, especially if your change in commitment affects them. 

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"Moving and Shaking the Underpinnings of Busy" appeared in the January 2014 issue of OM Times Magazine

In a culture that highly values movers and shakers, it can be hard to feel worthy and connected if we choose to walk a quieter path. However, running breathless in a panic isn’t serving our souls. For many of us, our higher selves are urging us to slow down, reassess, and move in a direction that truly resonates with who we are rather than who we think we’re supposed to be. As challenging as it may be to listen deeply and make shifts away from an overly busy lifestyle, living in grace and alignment offers us far greater rewards than trying to win our impractical race against time.