From Human Doing to Human Being
Many of the clients that I have seen over the years can be described initially as human doings rather than human beings. Their days are filled with meetings, tasks, deadlines, and endless to-do lists. Their goals are to make more sales, more money, to do more, more, more. Over-productivity has become a badge of honor, and being so busy often feels like proof of their self-worth.
However, somewhere along the way, they lost a core essential — the simple act of being.
These clients land in my office due a breakdown in their overly busy lives. They could be experiencing stress, anxiety and/or depression due to a breakdown in their health or relationships.
The Age of Constant Doing
Modern society appears to be goal oriented. It rewards activity. We are praised for working longer hours, achieving more goals, and constantly pushing ourselves to do more.
Most of our conversations begin with:
- “I’m so busy.”
- “I have so much to do.”
- “I don’t have time.”
Busyness and multi-tasking have become the default state of life. Many people measure their value through output: how much they accomplish, how much they earn, how much they produce.
Yet this relentless doing often disconnects them from themselves as well as from the people they love.
The philosopher Blaise Pascal once observed:
“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
Pascal’s insight from the 17th century feels surprisingly relevant today. Our constant activity may be a way of avoiding stillness — and avoiding ourselves.
What Does It Mean to Be a Human Being?
Being a human being means reconnecting with presence, awareness, and authenticity. It means recognizing that our value does not come solely from what we produce. It comes more from our intentional actions i.e. focusing more on the process toward the goal rather than only on the goal itself.
Psychologist Carl Rogers emphasized the importance of authenticity and inner awareness when he said:
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
Being involves:
- Experiencing the present moment
- Listening deeply to ourselves and others
- Appreciating life rather than rushing through it
- Acting from purpose instead of pressure
When we shift toward being, we start living intentionally rather than automatically.
Being a human being means to accept and love yourself. Being a human being means reconnecting with presence, awareness, and authenticity. It means recognizing that your value does not come solely from what you produce.
Being involves:
- Experiencing the present moment
- Listening deeply to ourselves and others
- Understanding and regulating our emotions
- Appreciating life rather than rushing through it – “Stopping to smell the roses”
- Acting from purpose instead of pressure
When we shift toward being, we start living intentionally rather than automatically.
Why This Shift Matters
The digital age has accelerated the culture of doing. Emails, social media, and instant communication keep our minds constantly active. Even our rest is often filled with scrolling, watching videos, online buying, online gambling as well as for many overeating and substance misuse.
Yet research and lived experience show that true clarity, creativity, and fulfillment arise from moments of stillness.
When we pause and reconnect with ourselves, we gain perspective.
We realize that life is not just about achieving milestones but experiencing the journey.
Small Ways to Practice Being
The transition from doing to being doesn’t require abandoning work or responsibilities. Instead, it involves bringing awareness into everyday life.
Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh reminded us:
“When we walk like we are rushing, we print anxiety and sorrow on the earth. We have to walk in a way that we only print peace and serenity on the earth…Be aware of the contact between your feet and the earth. Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.”
Some simple practices include:
1. Mindful pauses
Take a few moments during the day to simply breathe and observe your surroundings.
2. Single-tasking
Focus on one task at a time instead of juggling many.
3. Quiet reflection
Spend a few minutes each day journaling or sitting in silence.
4. Meaningful connections
Be fully present when talking with others. (put your phone away and on silent)
5. Gratitude
Notice and appreciate small moments that often go unnoticed.
6. Do Lunch
Take your lunch break away from your desk (and phone).
Redefining Success
Perhaps the greatest transformation happens when we redefine success.
Success is not only about achievements or productivity. It is about:
- Inner peace
- Authentic relationships
- Personal growth
- Living in alignment with our values (google list of values and choose your top seven)
A balanced life integrates both doing and being. Doing helps us contribute to the world, while being helps us stay connected to ourselves.
The Journey Back to Being
Moving from human doing to human being is not a one-time decision. It is a continuous practice of awareness.
Every day offers a choice:
a) To rush through life completing tasks, or
b) To slow down enough to truly experience it.
The irony is that when we embrace being, our doing often becomes more meaningful, focused, and fulfilling.
Philosopher Lao Tzu captured this wisdom centuries ago:
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
Life is not just about what we accomplish. It’s about who we become while living it.
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