Finding your natural rhythm of life

I sometimes feel as though the developed world is running at an alarming rate that is not sustainable. Life has got faster and faster. We do more and more – both at work and for leisure – and there almost seems to be a competitiveness around who is the busiest person.

I know firsthand that it’s not sustainable long term. I’ve done my share of working long hours, travelling a lot with work and throwing myself into my leisure time with the same ferocity and velocity and I became exhausted.

Those who know me will also know that I have a tendency to break bones when I’m living life at too fast a pace! I see many clients, colleagues and friends who are also exhausted and still trying to maintain the status quo of high activity.

There are times throughout the year where our activities increase e.g. at the end of the term for teachers, at financial month and year end for those in business, at Christmas when we go out more and have more shopping to do.

There’s nothing wrong with being busy. It’s a natural rhythm of life. The problem comes when we increase our activites to that high level and try to maintain it  longterm at an unsustainable level.

That’s when it becomes out of balance with the natural world, out of balance with the natural rhythm of the earth. When we live in towns and cities and spend much of our time in offices, it’s easy to get out of balance with the natural world. We can get caught up in the materialism of modern day society and believe we need to be busy to sustain that way of life.

There is another way.

I look to nature as an inspiration to show me how to find a more natural rhythm. There are moments throughout the year when nature is busy too. Like the bees in the summer, cross-pollinating the flowers, the squirrels gathering in the harvest in autumn to sustain them over the winter, the flowers in spring which grow at an alarming rate.

We too can harmonise with the rhythm of the earth and find our own rhythm of life. A rhythm that feels energising and gentle, exciting and sustaining, both for ourselves and the world around us.

What’s the rhythm of your life?

What rhythm would serve you right now?

Putting it into practice

1. Get out in the fresh air every day for at least 5 minutes and connect with nature. Breathe.
2. Notice what is happening in nature and draw the comparison with your own life. Notice where nature is working as designed, bending and flexing.
3. If you are moving at a fast unsustainable pace, it might be time to start saying no to things, time to ask for help. If you are prevaricating and have become static, then notice what needs to happen. Do yoou need time out to recharge or is it time to start moving?
4. Find a new rhythm that nourishes and sustains you, excites and energises you.
5. Post your comments below on how you get on.

Go out and connect with nature – your own true nature, the nature of others and the natural world. It’s time to find your natural rhythm of life.

With love,
Jude. x

Related posts:

1. Noticing my true nature
2. Finding clarity in the chaos
3. 12 lessons in leadership from 2009