I see exhaustion on so many human faces. Deep-seated exhaustion that is not born of one or two late nights. It is exhaustion that has seeped into the human soul. It is exhaustion stemming from humanity’s relentless quest to become gods.
In truth, we live at such a fast pace in our always-doing society that we don’t take time to stop and stand and ask:
What Choice Do We Have?
My experience of life as a child was as a journey – as a process – as something to be lived – not somewhere to get to. Indeed, I am continually drawn back to my grandmother’s kitchen where the day was measured more by cups of tea than by clocks.
The past and future and living and dead all seemed to float around that kitchen as people came and went (ag bothántaíocht) and conversation ebbed and flowed. Time was deeper with echoes of “everywhen” and even as a child I could sense the peace that was created.
There was no sense of anybody needing to be anywhere else. Of anything particular needing to be done. Everything we needed was in that kitchen because in many respects that kitchen was the universe.
There Are Always Choices!
In my experience, exhaustion generally goes unacknowledged for a long time. We battle on. We self-medicate. We feel we have no choice. Too much remains undone. It is simply the way things are.
And yet, there comes a point when we know this cannot continue. When we are doing ourselves and life on our planet lasting harm by our endless doing. When we come to notice what we have been missing, what we have been destroying.
The Irish poet John O’Donoghue captured this beautifully in this extract from his invitational Blessing entitled “For One Who Is Exhausted“:
You have travelled too fast over false ground;
Now your soul has come, to take you back.
Take refuge in your senses, open up
To all the small miracles you rushed through.
Become inclined to watch the way of the rain
When it falls slow and free.
Imitate the habit of twilight,
Taking time to open the well of colour
That fostered the brightness of day.
Draw alongside the silence of stone
Until its calmness can claim you.
Be excessively gentle with yourself.
If we are to build a future in which all life can thrive on this planet, we need to take the time to start asking deeper questions.
In truth, what choice do we have?
Questions in the Image:
- What choice do we have?
- What choices do we have?
Want to Read More Around This Topic?
The full version of John O’Donoghue’s poem can be found here: For One Who is Exhausted, A Blessing
Nurturing Curiosity – Daily Practice: This is part of the Nurturing Curiosity series of tools, insights and questions designed to help nurture curiosity as part of our daily practice. In point of fact, every interaction we have is an opportunity to question what we are observing and how we and others are seeing the world. Also remember that questions come in many forms throughout our day – a bird lazying about on an overhead wire might be asking “Where might I find more moments of rest during my day?” And indeed, “What type of rest do I need right now?” A bouncing ball in the distance is prompting me to wonder “When might I play basketball with the kids?”
About Tom O’Leary
Tom guides bold pioneers through inner transitions towards regenerative futures.
His primary offering – through a process he calls Ecological Coaching – is about working with leaders on the mindset, skillset and structural shifts that will power their organisation’s outer transition.
This means helping leaders thrive while creating ripples of positive change within their organisation and most importantly for the communities they serve and ultimately life on this planet.
It is thus not just about the leader as an “individual” but rather as part of an ecology of relationships. Within this ecology, he helps the leader feel heard, gain clarity, take action, build confidence and thrive all in service of something bigger.
How Might Tom Help?
- My first invitation is to take maximum advantage of the free content on this site.
- As you are reading this, you are clearly on a fascinating journey. If you feel you would benefit from us doing some work together on some aspect of your journey, please explore this page: How Can I Serve?
- I also endeavour to answer every email so if you have any queries do reach out.
