The Importance of Being, Over Doing
In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves fixated on action. We measure success by what we do, the tasks we complete, and the goals we achieve.
The focus on doing can sometimes blind us to the more profound truths about our existence and purpose.
A Fictional Example: The Busy Architect
Consider the story of Clara, a highly successful architect known for her impressive designs. Clara was always on the go, juggling meetings, project deadlines, and client demands. Her days were filled with blueprints and presentations, and she prided herself on completing every task efficiently.
However, in her pursuit of professional success, Clara began to overlook important aspects of her life. She rarely spent time with her family or friends and often missed opportunities to connect with her community. One day, while rushing to finalize a project, she overheard a conversation at a coffee shop. Two elderly men were discussing a local park that had fallen into disrepair.
Curious yet pressed for time, Clara listened as they reminisced about how the park used to be a vibrant gathering place for children and families. They talked about the laughter that filled the air and the connections forged there. As she continued to rush through her day, Clara felt a pang of guilt for having neglected such vital community spaces.
That evening, as she sat at her desk reviewing her work, she noticed a flyer for a community meeting about revitalizing the park. It struck her that she had been so focused on her architectural projects and client demands that she had completely lost sight of her own community and what truly mattered.
Realizing that her work could contribute to something much larger than herself, Clara decided to attend the meeting. There, she shared her ideas for redesigning the park. The discussions ignited her passion for design anew—not just for the sake of accolades but for enhancing lives and building connections.
Through this experience, Clara learned that while doing was important in her career, being present and engaged in her community brought her a deeper sense of fulfillment. She began to balance her professional ambitions with intentional connections to those around her.
The Message in Mark 8:18
“Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?”
These words were spoken by Jesus to His disciples, who were caught up in discussions about their actions—what they were doing—rather than understanding the significance of what was happening around them.
The disciples had witnessed incredible miracles, including the feeding of 5,000 people, yet they still argued about trivial matters. They were so focused on their immediate concerns that they missed the bigger picture of Jesus’ mission and the lessons He was teaching.
Pay Attention to the Bigger Picture
What Jesus was trying to convey goes beyond mere actions. It’s about perception. The disciples were physically present for these miraculous events, but they failed to grasp their deeper meanings. If they had truly seen and heard, they would have recognized that these miracles were not just about physical sustenance; they were about spiritual nourishment and a new way of understanding life.
This serves as a reminder for us today. Amidst our busy lives, it’s easy to get lost in the grind of daily tasks and responsibilities. We may be doing a lot, but are we truly being present? Are we engaging with our lives at a deeper level?
The Balance of Being and Doing
To truly move forward in life, it’s essential to strike a balance between being and doing. Here are some key points to consider:
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Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your actions and intentions. Are you acting out of habit, or are you aligning your actions with your values and beliefs?
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Mindfulness: Practice being present in your daily life. Engage fully with your surroundings and the people in your life. This mindfulness can lead to greater awareness and understanding.
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Seek Understanding: Just as the disciples needed to see beyond the surface, we too should seek to understand the deeper meanings behind our experiences. Look for lessons and insights in everyday situations.
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Prioritize Relationships: Focus on building meaningful connections with others. Life is about relationships—both with ourselves and with those around us.
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Align Actions with Purpose: Ensure that your actions reflect your core values and beliefs. When what you do aligns with who you are, you’ll find greater fulfillment.
Don’t miss the point in your journey of life. Strive to see beyond mere actions and engage with the essence of your being.
By focusing on both being and doing, you can navigate life with greater clarity and purpose. Remember the words of Jesus: having eyes and ears is not enough; we must also perceive and understand the deeper truths that guide our lives.
WHERE'S THE HIDDEN TRAUMA?
How many times have you heard something similar to this blog post? That it’s important to be a “Human Being” not a “Human Doing”?
I’ve heard it so many times, that it has become cliche’, yet the question that is not asked is “Why do we do this?”
To understand what “Hidden Trauma” is, READ THIS BLOG POST on this topic.