You have posed some very interesting questions. As I look into the issue of busyness, what arises for me is more questions.
In looking at the motivating forces behind being busy I ask, are we busy so as to avoid some sort of uncomfortableness with just being with the emptiness of existence? Or are we busy due to some ingrained ethic that says we are of no value unless we are engaged is some sort of productive activity? An affirmative answer to either of these questions may denote a state of being where we feel we have to always cling on to something that will either fill the space or try to give you some ground under your feet. But the practice is all about having the rug pulled out from under us and learning to relax with the emptiness.

Having said this however, being at peace in the present moment does not exclude being engaged in activities. I guess the point is that as long as you are mindful of your actions than I believe the quantity or quality of your actions is a very personal decision. You just need to see clearly how it effects the people in your life, especially those closest to us, and then I’m sure you will find the Bodhisattva path of loving kindness.

Thank you for the discussion. By raising this issue it has helped me to look deeper into my intentions.

With gratitude,

Ben Marcune
Truly Holding Vows

You have posed some very interesting questions. As I look into the issue of busyness, what arises for me is more questions.
In looking at the motivating forces behind being busy I ask, are we busy so as to avoid some sort of uncomfortableness with just being with the emptiness of existence? Or are we busy due to some ingrained ethic that says we are of no value unless we are engaged is some sort of productive activity? An affirmative answer to either of these questions may denote a state of being where we feel we have to always cling on to something that will either fill the space or try to give you some ground under your feet. But the practice is all about having the rug pulled out from under us and learning to relax with the emptiness.

Having said this however, being at peace in the present moment does not exclude being engaged in activities. I guess the point is that as long as you are mindful of your actions than I believe the quantity or quality of your actions is a very personal decision. You just need to see clearly how it effects the people in your life, especially those closest to us, and then I’m sure you will find the Bodhisattva path of loving kindness.

Thank you for the discussion. By raising this issue it has helped me to look deeper into my intentions.

With gratitude,

Ben Marcune
Truly Holding Vows

Children grow very very fast, before you know it they’ve left the nest. Being with your children is very important and supporting your spouse in her work with the children is also crucial to avoid regrets and blame later on (which is not so far off as it seems).

From your list it does look like way more than one person can handle. It would be interesting for you to look at the list and cross out some, which would free your life up to give more energy to the others.

One thing that one finds to be true is that if you say no to a task, someone else WILL pick up the baton, and you can pass on your knowledge about the task so that the next person can keep it going successfully. Or not. Its possible no-one will but it will be OK nonetheless (you have to be over 50 to understand this one!!!)

There is often a control issue with those who do too much, that they don’t believe anyone else can do it, or do it as well as they would, but in taking on too much this becomes true for you!

Spaciousness and aimlessness are qualities we also need in our lives, especially with children who are also often pushed to stuff their lives with activities and need ‘down time’ too to rejuvinate.

It may be good to meditate on which roles to let go of, and who could you pass those tasks on to.

I know a lot about all this as I have also been there in busyness mode. I also know how big a relief it can be to let go or delegate out tasks that others may have plenty of time and energy for, and enjoy doing.

In friendship, Cilla

Children grow very very fast, before you know it they’ve left the nest. Being with your children is very important and supporting your spouse in her work with the children is also crucial to avoid regrets and blame later on (which is not so far off as it seems).

From your list it does look like way more than one person can handle. It would be interesting for you to look at the list and cross out some, which would free your life up to give more energy to the others.

One thing that one finds to be true is that if you say no to a task, someone else WILL pick up the baton, and you can pass on your knowledge about the task so that the next person can keep it going successfully. Or not. Its possible no-one will but it will be OK nonetheless (you have to be over 50 to understand this one!!!)

There is often a control issue with those who do too much, that they don’t believe anyone else can do it, or do it as well as they would, but in taking on too much this becomes true for you!

Spaciousness and aimlessness are qualities we also need in our lives, especially with children who are also often pushed to stuff their lives with activities and need ‘down time’ too to rejuvinate.

It may be good to meditate on which roles to let go of, and who could you pass those tasks on to.

I know a lot about all this as I have also been there in busyness mode. I also know how big a relief it can be to let go or delegate out tasks that others may have plenty of time and energy for, and enjoy doing.

In friendship, Cilla