In Defense of Productivity: A Spiritual Perspective
I’m all about self-love vs. self-discipline. And, if you’re a regular reader you know that I often write about spirituality, happiness, and productivity. These topics are actually different sides of the same coin. Let me explain: Many believe that there are two ways to approach life: “doing & working” or “being guided.” The first school of thought is that in order to get anywhere you must be action-oriented, pursuing goals to live your life’s purpose. The second belief is that everything will happen as it’s meant to and that “trying” is the ego’s roadblock to divine guidance. The truth is that they’re not mutually exclusive. An interest in being productive doesn’t mean you aren’t spiritual.
No one is more or less spiritual than anyone else. Each of us has a different process. There is no one-size-fits all approach. And that’s okay!
As I work with clients, I honor and refine their unique system, allowing them to approach life with more ease. To me, that is self-love: finding what works for you, honoring it, and ignoring other people’s perceptions of what “should” work for you.
For many, the To-do list is in fact a spiritual tool. By writing things down you don’t have to “remember” things. You can let go of the necessary and often mundane tasks that go hand-in-hand with being human. By writing down “buy toilet paper,” I free my mind. I don’t have to spend my time and energy “thinking and remembering” I can spend more time being.
Being present. Being happy.
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
So have that experience, don’t “try” to be spiritual!
Aligning your life means honoring the part of you that lives in the spiritual realm and your human self. You don’t have to spend all day meditating and doing yoga! You’re human for a reason. So honor the experience, don’t try to negate it, ignore it, or escape it.
So where’s that fine line between “work” and being guided? It’s different for everyone. And most of us only find it when we cross it, experiencing stress, dis-ease or disease.
Tips, tricks, and tools aside, do what you love. Love what you do. It takes work. If we only take action when guided, we’ll get there, just a bit slower. But if your goal is something that aligns with both your spirit and human self, it isn’t work. It’s self-love. Setting that intention was the guidance, the daily action is what you do to follow through on your highest vision of yourself. The Universe will always provide for you, but you need to do your part. Give your half and the Universe has your back on the rest.
How do you honor your balance? Share your story in the Comments section below!