In Today’s Rush, We All Think Too Much

Just be, is something I frequently see in today's media but does anybody really, know what that means? If we do not know the immediate answer, some of our social circles may provide a definition, or a quick google search will produce a laundry list of information but what does it mean to you? Right now, how would you define "Just be?" If you read a sign that said "Just Be," how would you respond or how would you feel? Would it blur into the background with all the other words that occupy signs that inundate us daily?

Two years ago I would have laughed it off as some hippy-dippy woo woo bullshit. I would think "Just Be," be what? It sounded like some Nike Spirituality rip off of Just do it. A new opiate for the masses to keep us as better-aligned cogs in the machine. "Just be," was passive, pointless and an indulgence for those "New Agey Hippies" to pat themselves on the back on how awesome they are.

Now though, "Just be," has an entirely different narrative in my mind and my life. I know, I am not saying anything new or different that what we already hear, know, and feel. We are merely in a rush to get things done, check off boxes, and feel validated by the completion of tasks. Every day we exist is not the same. However, we operate on autopilot with routines. We wake up, go to work, go home, watch tv, go to bed. Somewhere throughout those waking hours, we sprinkle in food, kids or pets, friends or partners, more work, possibly sex if it is not to late or not too tired.

Something I have learned recently has helped me be more in the present moment, and it is so simple. Stop what you are doing and notice what is new in this, and each moment within our daily routine. Don't see anything in particular? This time employ your five senses. Ask yourself, what do I see? What do I smell? What do I hear? What do I feel? The beauty of these questions is that you can do them anywhere. Do this when walking down the street, or driving to work on your commute. Ask these questions while sitting in the office, during a break, or at lunch. Pay attention to where you are and what’s unique about this very moment.

Picture by Anna Dziubinska

In today’s rush, we all think too much — seek too much — want too much — and forget about the joy of just being ~ Eckhart Tolle