“It doesn’t matter where you are coming from. All that matters is where you are going.” — Brian Tracy
It was just as Plato transpired, we are forever focused on ‘continual becoming, and never being’. In the 21st century, we appear to be more ambitious than ever, particularly due to the emergence of new technologies. We feel obligated to match the speed of digital endeavour, and hurry with every aspect of our lives as a result. To the unassuming viewer, we appear simply busy and fast-paced. But to the careful observer, we are actually skidding over these moments, rather than absorbing and savouring them. We are in such a rush to be better, to cultivate ourselves and the world around us to the point that we are swallowed by ambition. As a result, we fail to appreciate how much we have already achieved.
Everything we do these days is done with a goal in mind. Our behaviour has become opportunistic, and instead of seizing the moment, we consider what we have to gain. Even relaxation techniques, such yoga or meditation, are done with the view to increase wellbeing and focus in the workplace, or are pursued for the sake of keeping an active and healthy lifestyle. We want to look good, feel good and we want to appeal to others. Therefore, relaxation is not actually a break, it’s not a designated stand-still moment we put aside for ourselves for some time during the day: rather, it is means to an end of suffering, worry, anxiety.
Some would argue what is wrong with thinking of relaxation in such a manner? It is not a being that should be given respect to. It’s an intangible concept that is not alive — a construct of human-making.
Nevertheless, the act of relaxation should be savoured for itself. It should be indulged in for the positive and pleasant thoughts it fills our minds with. While relaxing, our subconscious should not drift to what we attempt to gain by it. Instead, we should be focused ultimately and completely on the act itself of breathing in and out, of being serene and calm.
But in today’s day and age, who has the time for this? The media propagates an unhealthy work culture, where employees and office-workers are compulsively tapping away on I-Phones and I-Pads, responding to work-related emails even at the dinner table. The art of eating well, and constantly moving around to harbour an active lifestyle is common knowledge. Nutritionists and scientists are forever preaching these facts. The person who deviates from these standards is viewed as the idle man. There is no time to sit back and put our feet up anymore without being frowned up. We need to be busy. And if we aren’t, then we are shunned.
We are constantly running everywhere these days. It’s a wonder we aren’t out of breath yet. But I suppose it’s only a matter of time.
ethereal_dr 