Numbing a busy mind

Any human being who does not wish to be part of the masses need only stop making things easy for himself. Let him follow his conscience, which calls out to him: Be yourself! All that you are now doing, thinking, desiring, all that is not you.

- Friedrich Nietzsche

Do you know anyone who is always busy - never sits still?

Busyness may be an attempt to distract oneself from disturbing thoughts and emotions.

There are numerous ways to numb a busy mind, including:

• Engaging in activities that divert attention from thoughts and feelings, like watching TV, playing video games, reading, working, exercising, or hanging out with friends.

• Using substances such as alcohol, drugs, junk food, or prescription medications.

• Actively avoiding situations, people, or triggers that remind one of painful experiences.
  

With nothing to do but enjoy the luxury of travel last week, whenever there was a lull in activity, the thoughts came. I struggled to silence the inner critic.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime extravagant extended family vacation. Unlike other guests on board, I do not drink alcohol, medicate, or party. I felt like a fish out of water.

Closing thoughts

Meditation means to be in non-doing. Meditation is not a doing but a state of being. It is a state of being in one's own self.

~ Rajneesh

The trip was a great reminder of the following:

• I numb by doing. I cannot yet just be. It is time to prioritize daily meditation again.

• There is nothing wrong with just being me.

• It takes courage to stand up for what you believe is right. But, there is a time and a place for that.