Finding Balance: The Importance of Being vs. Doing in Life
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Chapter 1: The Dichotomy of Action and Presence
A thought-provoking question arises: “Is a person who takes action inherently superior to someone who remains inactive?” This conversation started with a friend who pondered the comparison between altruistic figures like Mother Teresa and someone engaged in leisurely activities at home. Initially, I believed it was evident that taking action equated to being better. However, this perspective has shifted over time.
The Role of Meditation
Meditation often evokes the idea of simply doing nothing. A humorous anecdote comes to mind about a woman who inquires about her friend’s son, only to learn he has taken up meditation. “At least he’s not idling away,” she remarks. Yet, this perception misses the deeper essence of meditation.
Meditation transcends the notion of inactivity; it can be a profound source of insights that transform lives. Similarly, a quiet stroll through nature can clear the mind, inspire creativity, alleviate pain, and foster a greater appreciation for our environment. These experiences may seem trivial, but they hold significant value.
Connecting with Inner Self
Engaging in meditation or mindful walking allows us to connect with parts of ourselves that often remain hidden amid the chaos of daily life. For instance, consider an exercise where you sit or walk without the influence of language.
In this state, time appears to stand still, as the past and future become abstract concepts devoid of words. Problem-solving becomes challenging, yet emotions arise unfiltered; feelings of fear, loneliness, and guilt dissipate without the narrative to support them, leading to an absence of judgment.
Mother Teresa profoundly noted, “We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence.” Nature flourishes in silence—trees, flowers, and celestial bodies exist and move quietly. To touch souls, we must embrace silence.
A Reflection on Existence
This experience evokes a primal sense of existence—an awareness of a wordless world confined to observation and sensation. Did early humans experience life in this manner? Is this what animals feel? Does it align with the concept of an ever-present life force before the planet’s formation, as described by writers? Perhaps it reflects what Eckhart Tolle refers to as the constant Now.
The irony of a writer promoting the exploration of wordlessness isn’t lost on me. This experience is so transformative that it’s worth temporarily setting aside language.
In retrospect, my initial response to my friend was too simplistic. Simply being is a beautiful state, potentially more essential than any act of doing.
What are your thoughts?
Dave’s website: AbundantEverydayJoy.com
This piece is also part of the Lesson Series on abundanteverydayjoy.com
Chapter 2: The Journey of Self-Discovery
Discover the balance between being and doing and how meditation enriches our understanding of existence.
Explore the feelings of inadequacy when comparing ourselves to others and how self-acceptance can be a powerful tool for growth.
