All About Being

I recently started speaking on The Art of Being. Nobody knows what that is, except a few people who are also speaking about being. What is being anyway? Well, according to an online dictionary, being is the "nature or essence of a person".

What is our nature or essence? Nature or essence is the basic or inherent features of something, especially when seen as characteristic of it, and humans are born with certain inherent features. While the Christian religion espouses we are all born sinners, I disagree. We are born perfect and we have basic biological and psychological needs. When our needs aren't met or we experience trauma in the form of neglect, physical and mental abuse, or other types of trauma, our nature is to protect and seek safety. We do this in a variety of ways. Hence, what may seem like sin, is actually a form of survival. Society cannot sustain the backlash - the eventual crime and deterioration of people and their souls. It is devastating to the community. Therefore, we have helping mechanisms in the form of social services, counseling, medical teams, associations, churches and synagogues, etc.

Essence is the truth of our very presence, the purity of our consciousness and awareness. It is what we are in our original and undefiled beingness, the ultimate core reality of our soul. Essence is the authentic presence of our Being; it is, in fact, Being in its thatness.

There are three distinctions about Being.

1) We are always Being.
2) We can observe our Being.
3) We can shift our Being.

We "BE" (think or act) in certain ways and in most societies, there are consequences - positive and negative - in reaction to our Beingness.

1) We are always being. We know how to be. We can be kind, honest, resilient, grateful, humble, optimistic, courageous, generous, happy, friendly, loving, caring, open-minded and creative. These positive qualities contribute to personal well-being, strengthen relationships, and foster a more harmonious and compassionate society.

We can also be stubborn, mean, stingy, rude, selfish, arrogant, irresponsible, cruel, passive aggressive, sarcastic, jealous, narcissistic, intolerant, impatient, and victim like. These negative traits can harm relationships, hinder personal growth, and contribute to a negative societal environment.

2) We can observe our being. Observing our being involves self-awareness and mindfulness, which can be cultivated through various practices. Here are some ways to observe your being:

Mindfulness Meditation: Set aside time each day to sit quietly and observe your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Focus on your breath or bodily sensations to anchor yourself in the present moment.

Journaling: Write down your thoughts, emotions, and experiences regularly. Reflect on your entries to gain insight into your patterns of thinking and behavior.

Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your actions, choices, and interactions with others. Consider how your behavior aligns with your values and goals.

Feedback from Others: Seek feedback from trusted friends, family members, or mentors about your behavior and its impact on others. Listen openly to their perspectives.

Identify Triggers: Notice situations or circumstances that trigger strong emotional reactions or habitual patterns of behavior. Understanding your triggers can help you respond more consciously.

Practice Gratitude: Regularly express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life, fostering a sense of appreciation and contentment.

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and cultivate greater self-awareness.

Not everyone is going to practice self-awareness. This is where life experience can teach us something. Hopefully, we learn from our mistakes. Sometimes we make them over and over until we learn. We may also stumble upon personal development which can raise our awareness of our behavior significantly.

3) We can shift our being.

Shifting our being involves making intentional changes to our thoughts, behaviors, and perspectives in order to cultivate personal growth and well-being. Here are some ways to shift your being:

Set Intentions: Clarify your values, goals, and aspirations. Set specific intentions for the qualities or behaviors you want to cultivate in yourself.

Cultivate Positive Habits: Identify habits that align with your goals and values, and commit to integrating them into your daily routine. This could include habits related to health, productivity, relationships, or personal development.

Challenge Negative Thoughts: Notice and challenge negative self-talk or limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. Replace them with more empowering and realistic perspectives.

Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by regularly reflecting on the things you appreciate in your life. This can shift your focus towards the positive aspects of your experiences.

Engage in Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Consider journaling or meditation as tools for self-reflection.

Seek Growth Opportunities: Be open to learning and personal growth. Seek out opportunities for self-improvement, whether through formal education, workshops, or self-study.

Set Boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries in your relationships and commitments. Learn to say no to things that drain your energy or detract from your well-being.

Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate mindfulness through meditation, breathing exercises, or mindful awareness of everyday activities. Being present in the moment can help you respond more skillfully to challenges.

Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family members, or mentors who encourage your growth and development. Consider seeking professional support from a therapist or coach if needed.

By incorporating these strategies into your life, you can actively shift your being towards greater fulfillment, resilience, and authenticity.

I am on the speaking circuit to talk about Being. If you know a team leader who is looking for a speaker, let them know I am available to speak - online or offline in the Phoenix area.  :)  

For help in elevating your beingness, click the image below for a free consult call with me.