Humans Doing and Being

Contradiction often brings about tension. And there is tension when we attempt to hold together two opposing or seeming opposite ideas. A duality arises, and we seek peace by aligning ourselves with one idea or another, with one side or another, with one group or another, with one mindset or another.

On my desk is a task list, for the day and for the week. I have another similar task list at work. I am constantly updating these lists with new things to do and removing tasks I’ve finished. I have my personal mission and vision and wildly important goals and use these as my guiding stars. I enjoy checking boxes as complete and drawing lines through tasks I’ve completed. I have purpose and direction and things that need to be done. I manage my time and my energy and feel a great degree of satisfaction when I come to the end of my day knowing that I’ve made the most of it.

I love DOING.

On my desk is a stack of books I’ve been reading. Books on contemplative prayer, mindfulness, and mediation. I have been intentionally setting aside time for solitude, silence, stillness, and prayer. I read and learn about the benefits of embracing a mindfully spiritual practice of inner silence and centering prayer. My faith has never been more strong and my mind has never been more clear. This is not to say that I am anywhere near where I wish to be, but I am confident I am on the right path heading in the right direction. Throughout the day, I know the transformational benefits of calming my spirit and my mind in focused, mindful contemplation.

I love BEING.

Doing and being seem to be in contradiction. So how can I hold these together peacefully? Here I am. Doing. And yet here I am. Being. Both are so important to me right now. Every day I’m DOING the work. Every day I’m BEING in the moment. As I look beyond the seeming duality, I can see the beauty of their interconnectedness. Being is a path to doing. Doing is a fruit of being. Our dualistic thinking can be quite limiting.

My deep desire is to live life better and help others do the same. A great life is one filled with love and joy and peace and patience. Spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Living life better requires we hold together tensions and contradictions. That we come to peace with the paradoxes of life. For me, this requires I hold together the being and doing of my humanity and spirituality. Holding the tension and finding peace. Let’s not forget that we are humans being as we are humans doing.