Being and Not Just Existing
It’s a journey that challenges us to question the “status quo,” to break away from conformity, and to embrace authenticity
São Leopoldo, August 26, 2024 - Edition 037 - Fer’s Newsletter
Hello, good evening! How are you?
To start this letter, I have to set the scene: music playing on the turntable ("Stand By Me"), coffee freshly brewed with that unique and perfect aroma, and the steam rising from the mug on a 13ºC evening here in my city.
I sat at my desk wondering whether to use this Notion app, the productivity enthusiast's favorite tool. I’m writing on it now, and it can be used on both the computer and the phone. But honestly, I haven't seen much use for it yet. Nothing that Google Calendar can’t do just as well, or that wouldn’t be as helpful. For writing, I’m already used to Google Docs, where all my texts are properly stored and organized. By the way, if you use Notion, how about replying to this email and telling me the advantages of having it on your phone and computer? What do you think?
Speaking of productivity, I mentioned that I was monetized on X (formerly Twitter), and I dedicated a week to posts about productivity, techniques, tools, and tips. Since Elon Musk's app currently pays for written content, I find it better and easier than making videos, like on YouTube (also monetized). There are rumors that X-TV will launch soon—probably later this year—And directly compete with the current market leader, YouTube.
I took advantage of this series of posts and created an e-book with more in-depth and explanatory material compared to the X posts. Although "in-depth" might sound intimidating, I assure you it's easy to read and understand. If you’d like to check out what you’ll find in "Transform Your Life: Habits that Change Destinies," just click here. 🫣 It's not available in English yet, but if there's interest, I can arrange that.
Being and Not Just Existing
It’s a journey that challenges us to question the “status quo,” to break away from conformity, and to embrace authenticity
How many times do you find yourself stuck in a routine, merely going through the motions without truly living them? It seems like we are living, but are we truly "being"? "Being" is much deeper than just existing physically. It’s about being present in every moment, aware of your choices, feelings, and actions.
Eckhart Tolle states: "The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it" (Tolle, 2004). This prompts us to reflect: are we merely reacting to what happens around us, or are we actively creating the life we desire? Being is a practice of self-awareness and connection with what truly matters. It’s not just about surviving the day but living it with purpose and meaning — feeling truly alive.
Being: An Internal Journey
While existence might simply mean being present in the world, being is embarking on a profound and transformative journey of self-discovery and purpose. According to Carl Jung, "He who looks outward dreams; he who looks inward awakens" (Jung, 1971).
Being involves seeking meaning in our actions, exploring our deepest motivations, and making choices that resonate with our true essence. It is not just about surviving; it is about living with clear intentions and a deeper awareness of who we truly are. It is a journey that challenges us to question the “status quo,” to break away from conformity, and to embrace authenticity.
Being is, therefore, a continuous commitment to live according to our values, cultivating a life rich in meaning and aligned with our true "self." This is the essence of true "being" — a full and intentional existence.
Self-Knowledge as a Starting Point
Self-knowledge is the foundation for truly "being." How can you expect to live an authentic life without understanding who you are? This process of self-discovery involves exploring your deepest emotions, desires, and fears. It is through this introspection that we begin to shape a life that resonates with our true essence.
Understanding yourself allows for making decisions more aligned with your values, leading to a more meaningful life. Studies show that individuals with greater self-knowledge have better mental health and greater emotional resilience (Brown, 2020). Therefore, dedicating time to deeply understand yourself is the first step toward genuine and lasting transformation. Start today by exploring who you truly are and discover the power of being, not just existing.
The Importance of Living with Purpose
Living with purpose is essential for truly "being." By clearly defining your goals, your actions naturally align with your values, providing a sense of fulfillment and completeness. As Viktor Frankl wisely observed, "Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose."
Having a purpose does not necessarily mean pursuing something grand; it can be as simple as positively impacting the lives of those around you or seeking continuous personal growth. Purpose gives direction and depth to your existence, turning each day into an opportunity to live authentically and significantly. Without it, we risk merely existing, allowing life to pass by without leaving a lasting mark.
The Autopilot of Modern Life
Have you ever found yourself performing daily tasks without thinking, simply following an established routine? This is what we call merely existing. In the hustle of modern life, with so many demands and distractions, it’s easy to slip into autopilot mode. Studies show that living life this way, without full attention, can lead to burnout and chronic dissatisfaction (Brown & Ryan, 2003).
Wake up, work, come home, sleep, and repeat. While routine is necessary, living exclusively within it can disconnect us from what truly matters: our values, relationships, and purpose. The challenge is not to eliminate the routine but to bring awareness and presence to each moment, transforming automatic actions into meaningful experiences. As Eckhart Tolle wisely observes,
"true happiness is found in the quality of the attention we give to each moment" (Tolle, 1997).
The Impact of "Simply Existing" on Well-Being
Living in "just existing" mode can have serious consequences for well-being. When we neglect "being," we become disconnected from ourselves, which can result in emotional burnout, feelings of emptiness, and even depression. According to Viktor Frankl, the absence of purpose is one of the main factors leading to despair and human suffering (Frankl, 2006).
This internal emptiness often drives us to seek external compensations, such as excessive consumption, but these solutions are temporary and superficial. The true remedy for this sense of emptiness only occurs when we begin to live with purpose, aligning our actions with who we truly are. Thus, the journey of "being" is not just a personal quest but a necessity for our psychological and emotional well-being.
Identifying the Signs That You're Just Existing
Sometimes, the line between "existing" and "being" can be subtle, but there are clear signs that you may be merely existing. One of the first signs is a constant feeling of exhaustion, even when you should be rested. This happens because a life without purpose drains our energy, leaving us fatigued and unmotivated (Ryan & Deci, 2001). Another sign is a lack of enthusiasm. If you find that you rarely feel excited or inspired, even by things you used to love, you are likely just going through the motions without truly living.
Additionally, performing tasks on autopilot, without paying attention to what you're doing, is a clear indicator that you are disconnected from the present. Research has shown that a lack of mindfulness is associated with decreased life satisfaction (Brown & Ryan, 2003). Finally, a persistent sense that something is missing in your life is a sign that you are not in tune with your true self. This feeling of emptiness is often a cry from within, signaling that it’s time to awaken and seek a life with more meaning.
If you identify with these signs, don’t ignore them. They are invitations for a necessary change, allowing you to move from merely existing to truly "being." Awakening to "being" means reconnecting with your passions, values, and purpose, enabling each day to be lived with greater intention and authenticity.
There are ways and steps to begin being more conscious. What are they?
We will explore this further in the next edition of our Fer’s Newsletter.
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That’s All Folks,
Fernando Nunes - mentesevolucao@gmail.com
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