Without a doubt, the world is running at a faster pace than ever. We live in times where you can download, upload and “buy now” with little to no time delay. With all this instant gratification we are theoretically “freed up” to work on other, more important things that we desire.
But the big question is, are we able to easily unweave and untangle from this adrenaline rush and ease into balance and well-being?
Whether we like it or not, as a society we tend to pride ourselves on how many balls in the air we are able to juggle. In fact, we tend to wear it as a badge of honor. “Look how many tasks I can cram into an already full list?”
We think we are so efficient.
We feel like we can conquer that to-do list everyday. Then maybe someday later on in the distant future, we’ll get a much needed break.
Perhaps a 2-week vacation to unwind and get away from it all?
Maybe an early retirement to move somewhere different and then life will finally slow down.
Here’s the deal, those are only band-aid approaches to a very chronic, very serious epidemic of over-extending and under-valuing your current life.
Because the truth is you may certainly be juggling plenty of tasks, but how is the quality of each individual ball (or task)?
Let’s say you take that 2-week dream vacation to a far-off, exotic locale. For most chronic workaholics and worry-aholics it will take a good week to finally let down and begin to semi-relax. The last few days might be among the most enjoyable. Maybe.
The question is - Are you truly able to embrace ease?
Or, have you packed your vacation schedule with back-to-back adventures and sight-seeing trips? With such a packed schedule it can feel eerily similar to the tension, anxiety and stress that was so familiar in your non-vacation days.
No wonder the thought of I need a vacation from my vacation is uttered by so many well meaning, yet overwhelmed people.
Let’s look at the other scenario. The one where you move somewhere else for part of the year. Remember, this is to “finally get away from all the pressure and deadlines and drama of my stressful life.”
The different setting is intended to be the magic elixir that solves all your problems, right? Well…let’s dive a bit deeper on this one for a moment, shall we?
I am reminded of the quote by Jon Kabat-Zinn, “where-ever you go, there you are.”
Translated:
If you’re addicted to drama. If you’re addicted to chaos and crazy-makers. If you’re addicted to suffering and struggle. If you’re addicted to under-valuing your own life and soothing it with an overly extended social life, then guess what?
The future will show up looking very much like the past. That winter or summer getaway is simply an extension of who you really are. Nothing changes except the weather.
The truth is that whatever your core beliefs are that you’ve held onto since childhood, they will undoubtedly follow you around like a shadow.
The very thing you wanted so desperately to shift away from and outgrow is the very thing that begins to show up over and over again.
Even with a move.
Even with a high dollar vacation.
Even with finding a new set of friends or co-workers.
Do not despair - hope and help is on the way!
Multi-tasking, addictions and constant chaos are subconscious balms we put on our wounds. These are high functioning avoidance strategies, make no mistake.
They keep us in a heightened state of alert. We might feel justified as we speedily race through our to-do list.
The bigger question becomes, are you even enjoying your life? Or do you feel you’re in constant reaction to others needs and wants?
The truth is, if we are fussing and worrying about others then we take the focus off of ourselves. We can keep the inner rumblings of self-growth and awakening at bay. I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but it is oh so common.
Uni-tasking, or one-pointed awareness, is a way to drop back into your life in a soft and gentle way. And contrary to popular belief, it is not just relegated to a select few.
This is where we commit to doing one task at a time with a quality over quantity mindset.
Helpful Journal Inquiries:
(Hint: close your eyes and take several gentle breaths before answering)
One way I can lovingly make a self-honoring choice today is:
One way I am willing to see my life as sacred and with reverence is:
One way I can begin to fall back in love with my life is:
One way I can stay centered in my own in life today is:
These are all incredibly invaluable inquiries that gently and lovingly pull our incessant, habitual focus on the outer world to our inner world, which is the Wise Self. The seat of the Soul that is aligned with your Inner Compass.
What I will tell you is this. Just consciously writing the journal prompts down and making time (undistracted) to answer and reflect on them begins a beautiful journey back to yourself. It’s literally walking back into your own heart. Waking up from a daze.
So, in respect and in highest regard of yourself, take an honest inventory. Take time to pause and reflect.
Where do I end and another person begins?
Am I really addicted to drama?
Do I constantly look to others to reinforce my worthiness?
Instead of wanting and dreaming of an entirely different life, can I allow myself to fully inhabit and enjoy the one I’m in?
What is my go-to way of distracting myself when I begin to feel uncomfortable?
These are rich, gorgeous and delicious questions to ask yourself. And I wish you a beautiful journey in what this sacred dialogue reveales over time. Think of me as your biggest supporter cheering you on.
With love and light,
Joanna
💛
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