There's a Rhythm to Doing and Being
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Have you been avoiding the pile of dishes in the sink? In this week's video, I talk about how I have learned to wait for the "spark" and not force myself to check off my task list and then simmer with rage and resentment.
Let's be honest: with all the competing priorities of day-to-day life, it's easy to get caught up in the constant cycle of 'doing'—chasing goals, ticking off tasks, and striving for achievements. While productivity is part of our human experience and can give us an incredible sense of purpose, it's equally important to embrace the art of 'being'—immersing ourselves fully in the present moment, appreciating life as it unfolds, and connecting with our innermost selves.
The Dance Between Doing and Being
Balancing 'doing' and 'being' is a delicate dance. 'Doing' propels us forward, fuels our ambitions, and helps us manifest our dreams. It's the driving force behind our accomplishments. On the other hand, 'being' allows us to pause, reflect, and savour the richness of each experience. It's in these moments of stillness that we often find clarity, creativity, and a deep sense of peace.
Most of us do do do and then take some time to rest and recover, but what I'm talking about here is bigger than that.
What if you actually allowed your next inspired action to come from an aligned state?
What if you prioritized getting still and present and THEN chose to act, rather than rest being the reward for some achievement?
What if stillness and presence actually came FIRST?
See how we're turning the whole thing upside down?
I know from personal experience that when I lean too heavily into 'doing,' I risk burnout, physical symptoms of stress, jagged isolation, and a disconnection from my inner fire. On the other hand, getting stuck in a rut of non-doing has led me down an equally exhausting path of stagnation, despair, and unfulfilled potential.
I believe the key lies in harmonizing the two—integrating inspired action with presence, and remembering to start with BEING instead of DOING.
Practical Steps to Harmonize Doing and Being
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Mindful Transitions: Before moving from one task to another, take a brief pause. This simple act can help ground you in the present and bring awareness to your next action.
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Set Intentions, Not Just Goals: While goals focus on outcomes, intentions emphasize something much deeper, are not transactional, and are not always measurable. Start your day by setting an intention that aligns with both your tasks and your well-being.
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Embrace Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate activities like meditation, deep breathing, or mindful walking into your routine. These practices cultivate a state of 'being' amidst the 'doing.'
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Reflect Regularly: Set aside time to reflect on your experiences, feelings, and thoughts. Journaling or contemplative practices can provide insights into how you're balancing action and stillness.
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Prioritize Self-Care: Recognize that rest and relaxation are not indulgences but necessities. They rejuvenate your spirit and enhance your capacity to engage effectively in your day-to-day commitments. It's often while we are resting or engaged in other things that the inspiration for something truly magnificent can shine through.
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Practice The Presence Protocol: This simple, science-backed tool can get help you realign when you are stuck in over-doing or stagnation.
Join Us in Exploring This Balance
At The Expansion Project, we're dedicated to supporting you in this journey of navigating 'doing' and 'being.' Our upcoming workshops and online courses are designed to provide you with effective, repeatable tools and insights to navigate this balance effectively and take the mystery out of living a nourishing, connected, and full life.
Life isn't about the milestones we achieve but also about the moments we fully experience, so make sure when the good stuff is going on, you're actually there to notice!
Want to dive deeper? Sign up for Consciousness 101 for only $10 CAD to access The Presence Protocol!
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Yours in Being-First-Doing-Second,
Dr. Saira
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