We have the tendency to rush through life always looking for or chasing something. In our fast paced society it can be difficult to live in a slow and calm way although that is what's in our nature. Higher, better, faster became unfortunately the norm in order to 'make it' these days. Living this life style means not living in the present, therefore not living at all. If you always think about what you still have to do and to achieve you miss what is actually happening around you.
I once read somewhere 'We are very good at preparing for life - but we are not good at living it.' We go to school for ages, collecting degrees, later working in jobs we don't really like. Then we don't have time to do the things that fulfill us because we think we constantly have to save money to be able to enjoy the last ten or twenty years of our lives. This is a very exhausting and unnatural life style and definitely not how it is supposed to be. Don't get me wrong - it is perfectly fine, great actually, if you chose a conventional way of living and if you are happy with it. Whatever way makes you feel good is the right way. I do notice though that many people struggle a lot because they think they have to live according to these societal norms. They get tired and bored and often suffer from chronic fatigue, depression or other diseases they can't get to the root of.
I believe that every illness has a mental or emotional cause to it and if your soul is tired, sad or somehow discomforted your body is the first to show it. It is this great tool that shows us where we are not aligned. The society we live in doesn't allow us to rest though and we don't allow it ourselves. Doctors prescribe strong medication, almost dangerously quick so we can go back to work and 'function' again. They numb the body and its signals, that actually are a guideline for us. Western medicine is more focused on stopping a symptom rather than healing a disease or even preventing it and I dare to say that this is a completely wrong approach.
I know that not everyone is going to step out of the system and that is also not necessary. Most of us though should have a closer look at their life style and their health to see if there is something that needs to be balanced. In eastern medicine a disease is simply something that is out of balance. In order to feel healthy, happy and energized, body, mind and soul have to be aligned. If every part in our life is aligned, we can feel good and strong. It is up to you to check in with yourself and feel if your body or your soul needs rest and nurture. You will notice the difference. If you feel constantly tired and down even after solid 8 hours of sleep it is very likely that it is not your body that needs to rest. Deep down you know if your soul is tired, if it is an emotional or mental feeling of being drained.
So, how do you get out of that funk? In a simple answer, do as many things as possible that bring you joy. Is it being in nature, doing arts and crafts, reading, going shopping or going dancing... do as much of that as you can. Maybe your mind immediately tells you that you don't have time for that but I don't argue with the mind anymore - if you want to have a more fulfilled life, only you can make it happen. It is about how you set your priorities.
Slowing down is so necessary because it gives you the chance to notice where you might want to make adjustments. Only if you are still for a while you will be able to listen to yourself and your needs. It gives you the chance to find out what you want and what lights up your soul. Out of that stillness you can start to create a new life or also just make little changes where you wish to. Sometimes it is enough to have 1 hour a day to yourself. Through meditation you can connect to your body and your soul and practice calming your mind. It is nurturing for the soul to just be still and listen. Become your own observer.
These times right now show us how quick everything can change and how temporary things can be. In the employment world we are all so interchangeable. We worry so much about not being able to work that we go in sick and exhausted. But recent world events also showed us that there are different and easier ways to create our lives and work lives. We always have to remember that we are responsible for ourselves and our actions. It is about how we set our priorities as they create our being.
It is not selfish or egocentric if you put yourself first if it comes from a place of nurture and love. Nobody should feel guilty if they need time for themselves. Unfortunately this is a mindset that is deeply rooted in our society. Even more this has to change and people have to see that only out of love for yourself you are able to give. If you are burnt out you won't be able to care for your children, parents or friends in a healthy and fulfilling way. You can only give as much love as you give yourself, it's that simple.
To sum it up, if you nurture and care for yourself and do what your soul longs for, you will be able to put this energy into the outside, into your actions and towards the people you love. This is not selfish at all, it is the opposite.
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