“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” Socrates spoke those words more than two thousand years ago, yet they seem to be more relevant today than ever. It seems like passing conversations with friends and acquaintances alike have been boiled down to a simple phrase, “I’m just too busy.”
Status, value and quality of life all seem to hinge upon how busy we can make our lives. For some reason we think that the busier we get, the more successful we will become. Everything revolves around efficiency and what can be accomplished with the least amount of time.
Ironically, it is during the seasons of flurry that stress comes, acne breaks out and relationships strain. Dozens of people, events and social obligations call for our time and attention all the time. Life is supposed to be busy, is it not?
We only seem to have two options: be busy or be bored. Being in college is about studying hard, having fun and doing anything, but being bored.
The rush of life is so fast that there is no time to process the experiences we are overloaded with or stop to admire the fiery sunset. Why is it that we find it so hard to take a moment to stop and rest? Perhaps it is the fear of what we will find when the busyness settles down and we are left with nothing to fill the void of our own insignificance.
I propose a practice of intentional restfulness. I present a mindset that does not demonize leisure time, but protects it in recognition of its importance. To enjoy the stillness of a day, we need to stop glorifying busyness because a busy life does not equal a happy life.
Start with baby steps. Re-evaluate your priorities and see if your schedule reflects them, say no to things that do not. Schedule a time for yourself because nobody likes to feel overwhelmed, stressed and confused.
