Beth and I are taking some downtime – a couple of days before we return to our normal schedule. We know from experience that a pause, a transitional moment when we do less, makes sense for our emotional wellbeing.
As an American trained in a culture of doing, however, pausing brings on two distinct and opposing thoughts: 1) I am winning because I am taking care of myself and 2) I am losing because I am not accomplishing enough.
“We teach best what we most need to learn.” Richard Bach
In our workshops with students of all ages and teachers, we stress the concept that we are human beings, not human doings. We teach the importance of developing emotional wholeness by slowing down. And we regularly suggest that stopping is the key to making kind choices for ourselves and others.
Why then do I continue to have this voice in my head opposing my own wisdom?
Part of my drive to improve and complete tasks is cultural conditioning gone awry, but another part is that it makes rational, important sense to get some things done in a timely manner.
As a result, I/we need to develop balance, the ability to constantly ask ourselves something we learn when we travel: “Gas pedal or brake pedal? Drive another 100 miles or stop for the night? Visit the museum today or read a novel, instead?”
So, there is no end (until we die, I suppose) to these opposing voices in our heads because they are equally important parts of us.
At this moment, then, when a part of me says “Do!” and another part says “Don’t!” it is merely the natural tension between two wonderful parts of Scott, the always moving action hero and the quiet, creative who waits, recharges and observes. They are both me and both beautiful.
