Doing vs. Being

I fluctuate between doing and being. If my life leans too much to one side, I will scramble to fill it with the other. Picture a seesaw with me standing in the middle, trying to create the perfect balance.

I think we need both. The doing brings new experiences, creates a sense of accomplishment, offers an opportunity for us to learn, connects us to others, and makes us feel as though we are contributing to our family, our community, or even the world. But it is Being that brings peace, awe, understanding, and growth. This growth then helps us live the life we’re meant to live–the journey that brings us joy and fulfillment.

Being is the moment you look into your newborn’s eyes. Being is the moment you’re standing on the porch watching the wind push through the trees or sitting on the sand listening to waves crash onto the shore. Being is watching a momma dog play with her puppies. Being is the moment your thoughts, like a runaway stallion, suddenly stop, and there is only space with no story of the past or the future, only the present moment. That’s where true beauty resides.

Being moments are present every day we just have to choose to see them. It’s easy to have an endless daily to-do list. For me the story I often tell myself is that I haven’t done enough. I can run 10 miles, take care of seven puppies, edit my manuscript, run errands, and clean the kitchen, but at the end of the day I’m still thinking of the laundry that didn’t get done, the vacuuming, dusting and mopping that are on the list and then there are all the drawers and closets that really should be organized. There’s always more to do. When the list consumes me, I’m at my worst.That’s when thoughts of not being enough, not accomplishing enough, not good enough haunt me. I will seek silence. Then like a blue sky appearing above dark clouds, I will open my eyes to the Being moments that were there all the time. I will remind myself that while it’s a wonderful feeling to have all the laundry done and neatly put away it doesn’t compare to the joy of conversation and coffee with someone you love or watching the sunset.

I challenge you this week to recognize the Being moments. Take time away from the to-do list and actually write them down. What are moments throughout your day that bring you joy? I’d love to hear them if you’d like to share in the comments here or on Facebook.

Have a wonderful joy-filled week!