The Act of Being

In last week's episode of EZ Conversations, I had the opportunity to sit down with remarkable guest Dr. Alex Joannou (Listen to the episode), a medical doctor who practices Chinese medicine and acupuncture. In this episode, Dr. Joannou shares his journey of how he transitioned in his practice through personal health challenges. We also focused on the differences between Western and Eastern medicine. However, one of the things that came to the forefront was the aspect of being. This was prominent for me throughout the entire week. As Dr. Joannou mentioned, acupuncture offers us the luxury of being on a table, maintaining stillness, and just being, which we struggle with. Still, when in that state, we can find the mind-body connection.

I wanted to explore the aspect of being further as we discussed it in the groups I facilitate. The uncertainty we experience is uncomfortable, so most of us like to seek out an escape. By running from the uncertainty, we convince ourselves that we are in control, only to continue the suffering. In one of the most famous soliloquies from Shakespeare's Hamlet, the ultimate existential question of "To be or not to be?" was presented. In the same play, Shakespeare, through the character of Polonius, offers: "To thine own self be true." The profundity of this cannot be understated. How can we become comfortable with the uncertainty we experience of being? Well, by being completely honest with ourselves. We overestimate our contributions and live in a state of grandiosity which only perpetuates our anxiety. Once we can completely accept it and just be, there is something peaceful in being. But how does one do that?

The South Asian writer, philosopher, and poet Alamma Iqbal, in his work Secrets of the Self, uses the metaphor of a seed, which has resonated with me. For a seed to potentialize the fragrance within, it must go through several stages: it must first break, then it must break the ground to absorb light before it can expand its roots, then the fight against elements takes place to grow leaves and flowers. Finally, the same seed achieves the pinnacle when it attains the fragrance that was always within it, waiting to be found. However, when we experience the fragrance, we forget the journey the seed must go through. We must follow a similar journey through the simple act of being, and not resisting change and growth.

Therefore, in this week's edition of EZ Reflections, I wanted to discuss being and what that means for each of us individually and share some resources. How can you be and have acceptance?

Practical Steps to Embrace the Act of Being

1. Mindfulness Meditation

Engage in daily mindfulness meditation practices. Even just 10 minutes a day can help increase your awareness and presence. Apps like Headspace and Calm provide guided sessions to help you get started.

2. Digital Detox

Set aside time each day to disconnect from digital devices. Use this time to engage in activities that ground you in the present moment, such as walking in nature, reading a book, or spending quality time with loved ones.

3. Reflective Journaling

Keep a journal to reflect on your thoughts and experiences. Writing can be a powerful tool to process emotions and understand your state of being. It lets you articulate your thoughts and feelings, providing clarity and insight.

4. Intentional Living

Focus on living intentionally by setting mindful goals and priorities. This involves making conscious choices that align with your values and purpose rather than reacting to external pressures and demands.

References

1. Heidegger, M. (1962). Being and Time. Harper & Row.
2. Sartre, J.-P. (1943). Being and Nothingness. Gallimard.
3. Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Context: Past, Present, and Future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144-156.
4. Goyal, M., Singh, S., Sibinga, E. M., et al. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(3), 357-368.
5. Shapiro, S. L., Oman, D., Thoresen, C. E., et al. (2008). Cultivating Mindfulness: Effects on Well-Being. Journal of Positive Psychology, 3(2), 122-132.
6. American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress in America 2020: Stress in the Time of COVID-19.