Non-striving

 odays Highlight

Practising non-striving — a foundational concept of mindfulness, in which, there is no need to rush ahead or do something other than what one is already doing — it's simply enough to 'be' present, and connected in mind and body with oneself, without unnecessary thoughts taking place.

'Being', as opposed to 'excessive doing', is a healthy form of conscious awareness — because, in such a state we realise we are complete and lack nothing.

'Striving-doing' is different, in such a state, we feel compelled to do and be more than we already are, as we feel incomplete and not enough in the present.

In plenty of modern Western societies, it is easy to end up constantly feeling a need to 'do' something; otherwise, how will any of us ever be enough?

'Non-striving', by contrast, allows us to 'let go', and celebrate our 'Beingness' as humans, who are free, joyful and happy — just as we are.

In a state of non-striving or 'Being', we also tend to perceive reality more clearly and at a deeper resolution.

We glimpse butterflies flying in the wind; see abstract, wistful changing clouds forming; fully open our hearts up to smiling children and love them unconditionally; take long, slow breaths, that are savoured and remembered as life-giving; in truth — our love for everything and all persons, comes to the fore, helping us embrace reality exactly as it is without judgement.

What a blessing non-striving is. It opens us up to the beauty of the world, where countless moments of happiness are effortlessly ours.