How to Detach From the Pull of Busyness

We live in an activity-driven, productivity-based world. The emphasis is on more - do more, make more, have more. This is all supposed to be a sign of "success" and make us happy, but does it really? The more we push ourselves, the less fulfilled we feel and the more stressed we become. We run faster and faster like rats on a wheel going nowhere. So today I'm sharing on the 3 keys to detaching from busyness.

1. Realize the fear that drives you.
Often we push ourselves due to fear - a lack of trust that things will work out without our having to kill ourselves in the process. We fear we won't have enough saved for retirement. We won't have enough to make a down payment on a house. We won't have enough.....to ..... You fill in the blanks. This is what is called a scarcity mentality which is based on fear. When we realize that we are in the loving, caring hands of God, we won't allow fear to drive us. Yes, we do what is necessary and responsible but we do it with faith that God is the ultimate source of all we have.

2. Unlearn the reactive response. 
We all have a lot to do. There will always be stuff to do. It is how we go about the doing that is key. When things get really hectic, that is precisely the time to take a step back and slow down. It seems counter-intuitive yet it works. Tune out the raging inner taskmaster that screams "What are you going to do?"  In the same way many of us learned to be anxious, worried, hurried, and stressed, we can learn to slow down, relax, and trust. Slowing down is possible despite the tug of the world.

3. Make time to be still.  
We can let go of all our worries and cares when we learn to trust and to have Faith. Jesus said,  "Come to me all who are heavy-laden and I will give you rest." We were not made to wear ourselves out physically, mentally, or emotionally. Jesus never rushed or hurried. He never let harsh comments ruffle him. He always made time for solitude. We would do well to model his example.

What does it mean to be still? It means to make time for solitude, prayer and meditation. It may even mean fasting for a while so we can focus less on the things of this world and more on what the will of God is. Turn off the television, the computer and the phone.  Get quiet and listen.

So, the next time you feel like you are losing the rat race, I encourage you to make time to get off the wheel and be still. Go for a walk, work in your garden, meditate. You will be amazed at how refreshed you will feel.

If you enjoyed this post and would like to join our community, enter your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my bi-weekly posts and a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". 

Stay tuned for more on how to ignite the power within and discover YOUR destiny!

Until next time, do less and and trust more.

Ariel Paz