Whether we want to admit it or not, today’s world is actually moving faster than in decades before. Time has actually sped up and, without awareness, we are being swept along with it.

Our lives have become so filled with things to do that when a few moments to breathe do open up, we immediately feel we need to fill it with something else to do. We have truly become human “doings” rather than human beings. We have forgotten how to just “be.”

I’m not saying that all busyness is a bad thing. One wants to live a life that is fulfilling. The problem is that the majority of people are living unaware and the things they are filling their lives with aren’t necessarily fulfilling but usually are stressful.

In the last few decades, people have even joked that when they go on vacation, they have to come home to recuperate. What? I used to laugh when people said that. In fact, I’ve even said it. The thing is, it demonstrates that we have forgotten the art of relaxation and the art of just “being”.

So what’s to be done? How can a person change this? To me, awareness is the first key. Too many of us are still living life in “default” mode, moving through each day in a fog – come what may. Awareness allows you to make better choices based on what you are observing about yourself and your life. It allows you to see if there is a better way. It allows you to become aware of your feelings about situations, people and the choices they present.

We came to this reality to live a life of happiness. So many of us have allowed our lives to turn into nightmares, at worst, or become filled with disappointment and sadness, at best. Stress has become the constant companion of so many that it’s no wonder that both physical and mental illness are abundantly common. This really needs to change. We just need to realize we have the power to do something about it.

There is no “one size fits all” answer to curing this and bringing one’s life back into balance. For some, the answer may be as simple as learning to say “no” to people and circumstances that want to fill up your spare time. You really do have to become aware of when you have reached your limit. What is that limit? In my opinion, it’s when there is no “me” time available. Without even just a little time for oneself, the stress mounts, sleep begins to allude us, our emotions slide downhill and our creativity and productivity diminish.

It’s true that most people have to work for a living. It’s also true that many have families with responsibilities and obligations. That still doesn’t mean that a balance cannot be found that includes time for oneself. That “me” time is so very important. Being able to just “be”, relaxing and knowing that for a short while the only responsibility you have is to your own well-being can make all the difference in the world.

Consciously slowing down is something else that can help alleviate stress. Rushing, rushing, rushing has become so common that people often don’t even realize they’re doing it. “But I have SO much to do!” Then perhaps we all need to let go of a few things or delegate when possible. If you feel like you don’t even have time to catch your breath, then stress is your running partner and it’s time to slow down. You’d actually be surprised how much you can still get done even at a slower, more consciously aware pace.

So what about people who seem to be busy but aren’t stressed? My guess would be that they’ve learned about consciously pacing themselves. Also, that they’ve taken the time to learn what their limits are as far as how much they can take on successfully. I’ll even wager they make time for that all-important “me” time. Do they ever get stressed? Probably, but they probably also have put in place methods for releasing that stress, whether it’s exercise, meditation, or just a relaxing bath.

Face it, Life has a habit of throwing us curve balls every once in a while in the form of unexpected events and emergencies. Catching us off-guard can cause many of us to “freak-out” even if just for a little while. Take a deep breath. Let go. The answer will come. The solution will be found. However, you have to slow down to find it. Rushing around will only create more chaos and confusion. In the stillness lies the answer.

We owe it to ourselves to break this modern day addiction to busyness. It won’t be easy, but we each have the ability and power to do this for ourselves. Not only will we benefit by it, feeling more alive and at peace, but that same healing energy will ripple out and have an effect upon friends, family and the planet as a whole. Now THAT’S something to slow down and appreciate!

Love & Blessed Be