So often these days, we get caught in the rat race of life. The pressures that society have put upon us make sure that we are constantly racing from one place to the next, getting things done as quickly as possible, everything is urgent. We are working longer hours that we have ever worked before. The Irish in particular, work the longest hours in Europe, and it is getting longer day by day. You may have seen that Sweden recently moved to a 4 day week, Germany implemented new laws about working outside of office hours, but not here in Ireland. Nope, we have to put those hours in because after all isn’t work the most important thing?
If you agree with the above statement, then I think we need to put some things in perspective. At what stage exactly in your long, stressed out working day, do you remember to enjoy what you are doing? Or are you ever actually aware of what you are doing? Do you come home and enjoy listening to your kids talk, do you fully listen to every word they have to say? Or is your mind somewhere else? Is it still in the office, worrying about those things that need to be done tomorrow? Are you checking your email while your child is trying to tell you about that award they won in school today?
It is my firm belief that most of us are wandering around life in a state of Mindlessness, just moving from one thing to the other, we work, we eat, we think about the weekend, the weekend is over too soon, and we are back to work. Yet, statistics show that 85% of people don’t actually love the job they do. So why give it so much attention?
Mindlessness, and not being fully aware of what we are doing at all times, can be detrimental. It can lead one down some very dangerous paths. It leads you wide open and susceptible to an array of dangers, and these are just some of them:
- A feeling of lack of control
- A reliance on alcohol
- An inability to relax
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Complaining
- Depression
- Isolation of Oneself
- Feeling Rushed or Unable to Concentrate
- Feeling you are Missing out on Something Better
- Irritation with yourself and others
- Developing Bad Eating Habits
- Relying on Drugs or Prescription Medication to get you Through the Day
- Sadness
- Wanting More or Believing the “Grass is Greener” effect
- Worry
As I said these are just some of the things cause by Mindlessness. I often tell my clients that the subject I most enjoyed studying is Mindfulness, which eliminates the above. There is no sense in ever being present, if your mind is somewhere else. Being physically present means nothing if your mind isn’t with you.
The good news is that Mindfulness can be learned. Out of all skills I have picked up in life, it is undoubtedly one of the most incredible tools I have collected. Like anything worth pursuing, it takes time and practice to become Mindful, but it’s worth every second, because it will give you back that time several fold.
Mindfulness breaks down your worries, it stops the constant self chatter, the little voice telling you you need to think elsewhere. It brings you to the present in a way you’ve never done before, because you’ve been running around like a headless chicken for years. (Disclaimer: I have never seen a headless chicken running around, so I am basing this on the thought that this is true) When you wake up from this Mindlessness, you can truly appreciate yourself, those around you, and the present moment, because after all, what other moment do we really have?
LIVE.LOVE.NOW. THERE IS NO OTHER TIME
Aaron O'Neill
WellSpring Counselling
083 8543095
aaron@wellspringcounselling.ie