At the end of the day, if we were to tally up all that we “do” as mothers, women, humans on this planet – the list would be extensive. And frankly, not all of it fulfilling. And perhaps some parts unnecessary. Judgment aside, there is some definite satisfaction in getting things done – it’s how most of us function – as “doers” – but with that there is so much pressure to perform and accomplish. It is as if we compare our worth to how much or how little we “do”.

     I am curious where that leaves our souls, our hearts, the stuff that matters. Sure it does an ego good to get shit done, but the next day you just do it all over again or stress over the parts you haven’t done yet.

     In the busy motion of the doing is the absence of simple awareness. How do I feel? What do I desire? What are by dreams? Like a robot I perform my tasks, show up and achieve. Check off the list.

     There is no reason why I can’t bring thought, feeling, awareness and life to my “doing”.

     Even when I make it a point daily to stop and be still. To sit and be, is this enough? What if I made an effort to carry that awareness into my tasks, and actions of the day? It is about being present to what I’m doing, not lost in space to the past or future, but grounded in the place before me.

     Feeling the hot water on my hands and smelling the dish soap instead of being annoyed about doing the dishes.

     Helping my son with his homework and seeing the words on the page instead of noticing all the pages left to finish and the lateness of the hour. Pausing and really being with him instead of viewing this as a task to be checked off the list.

     Braiding my daughter’s hair, being grateful she has asked, cherishing the closeness of the moment instead of suggesting it is time for her to take a shower. The shower is in the future, the grease will still be gathered in her hair, but now in this moment, she has asked me to braid her hair. She has given me an invitation, a gift and when I am not with her, present, and just being in that time with her, I might as well be in another room. I see just as I write this, in my words “when will you take a shower?”, I am pushing her out by asking her to do something rather than dancing in the moment of being with her. I love braiding her hair, so if I ever want her almost 11 year old self to ask me again, my chances may increase if I just BE with her instead of fix, correct, push, ask of her to DO.

    As I ask this of you, I am asking myself, When do we allow the need to DO get in the way of life, instead of letting go and saying yes to Be?

Cheers, Jenny