Mastering the Balance of Rest and Action
If you know me personally or have followed me for a while, you’ll know that I tend to put a lot of emphasis on concepts like mindfulness, simplicity, and stillness.
I majorly focus on these qualities because the current mainstream tends to overemphasize action, striving, and achievement, leaving many people exhausted and anxious.
With this, I tend to represent the counter-cultural swing of the pendulum. I also aim to do my best to present a balanced and holistic point of view.
So, I want to make sure that I get the message across that both sufficient action and rest are needed on the journey of personal and spiritual development…
For inspiration, let’s look at the 29th verse of the 6th century B.C. Chinese text, the Tao Te Ching —
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“Do you want to improve the world?
I don't think it can be done.
The world is sacred.
It can't be improved.
If you tamper with it, you'll ruin it.
If you treat it like an object, you'll lose it.There is a time for being ahead,
a time for being behind;
a time for being in motion,
a time for being at rest;
a time for being vigorous,
a time for being exhausted;
a time for being safe,
a time for being in danger.The Master sees things as they are,
without trying to control them.
She lets them go their own way,
and resides at the center of the circle.”― Lao Tzu
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This passage is packed full of wisdom:
Lao Tzu begins by introducing the bold idea that nothing in the universe needs improvement in the first place. This perspective isn’t nihilistic or promoting inaction; rather, it implies we are all part of a grand cosmic unfolding that doesn’t recognize the manmade concept of “improvement.”
According to Taoist philosophy, creation happens simply for the sake of creation — Life is inherently playful and joyful. The proper action of man, therefore, should be harmonious with this universal idea of playful creation. Taoists call this concept Wu Wei, or effortless action.
Lao Tzu further implies that by perceiving ourselves as separate acting forces, we disconnect from the whole of Life, rendering us “lost.”
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The verse then moves into descriptions of polarities: being ahead and being behind… motion and rest… vigor and exhaustion… safety and danger…
This implies that nothing in the universe can exist without its opposite. It’s almost as if an inherent law of balance exists, where each state is defined and enriched by its opposite. So, Lao Tzu seems to be saying that both sides of the coin must be embraced for a harmonious life.
Returning to the main idea — stillness cannot exist without movement, and vice versa.
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As mentioned earlier, living in a state of ceaseless action can render us exhausted and anxious. Without regular moments of rest, action-taking begins to lose its effectiveness.
Embracing rest allows us to take time to re-center and recharge. The mind is then allowed to reflect and settle, and the body is allowed to recalibrate and heal. This allows us to regain optimal levels of energy to act effectively and be of the best service to those around us.
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However, rest can also go to an extreme that leads to lethargy and unproductive rumination. We may find ourselves trapped in our own thoughts, ruminating without taking meaningful action. As a result, our goals and visions never come to fruition.
Various schools of Hinduism and Buddhism actually refer to this mental state as maya— illusion. This illusory veil of thought keeps us from genuinely experiencing reality as it is, holding us back from taking harmonious action.
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Our passage from Lao Tzu explains that a harmonious balance between rest and action can indeed be attained, and the one who achieves this balance becomes a Master of their life.
The Master neither forces nor resists circumstances, putting forth the perfect amount of energy for each task.
The Master also embraces their own unique path, free from stale societal constraints and pressures. Rather than trying to fit a mold or control outside events, the Master lives in accordance with the Natural Law of the Universe, choosing to engage in playful creation. They live and create simply for the sake of living and creating, finding joy in the process.
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“Through the practice of mindfulness, we learn to stay centered and calm in the midst of life's chaos. True mastery is about living in harmony with ourselves and the world, finding joy in simply being and creating.”
—Pema Chödrön
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So, how does one become what Lao Tzu calls a “Master” and remain centered in this delicate dance of motion and rest?
To move in the direction of Mastery, I recommend a formula:
Visualize and embody your Ideal Self: Make daily dedicated time to visualize and embody an ideal version of how you wish to be and act in the world. This can be called your Ideal Self. Ask yourself what your values are, and how you will continue to uphold your values. Preferably, do this immediately upon waking and right before bed. Using binaural beats can enhance this practice.
Set micro-goals. Our brains crave challenge. Set small, achievable goals that act as stepping stones towards your larger vision. These goals will keep you motivated and focused.
Follow a solid routine: Establish and follow a consistent routine that aligns with the path of your Ideal Self. This routine provides structure, allowing your brain and body to trust that you’re moving in the direction of Wholeness and harmony.
Practice mindfully, joyfully, and diligently: Engage joyfully and diligently in your routines, skills, and pursuits. Embrace each step of the process with enthusiasm and dedication. Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindful walking.
Let go. Trust the process. Once you have set your vision and routine in motion, let go of the outcome. Have faith that by working in the right direction, you will naturally progress towards your chosen Destiny.
Take time for rest and reflection: Take regular breaks to rest and reflect on your progress. Use this time to re-center, recharge, and make necessary adjustments. Allow yourself to appreciate the work that you’ve put into your beautiful creations.
Repeat daily: Consistency is key; embrace the journey, knowing that each day is an opportunity for growth and joy.
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As we follow these steps for a sustained period of time, a profound change begins to happen: we truly transform into new people from the inside out.
When we visualize our Ideal Selves, we shift our thoughts and feelings to those that are most conducive to health and wellness. This cues a cascade of neurological and hormonal reactions, which ultimately manifest as physical characteristics. With this, our Ideal Selves gradually emerge, become embodied, and present in our everyday lives.
In this process, our brains also create new subconscious filters which guide us towards experiences that will further propel our Ideal Self.
All in all, as a result of this process we become Masters of our own lives. We see through the illusions that once constrained us, realizing our true potentials with clarity and purpose.
Balance between rest and action then naturally begins to emerge — we begin to live in a harmonious cycle in which rest and action become one and the same. In essence, the Master rests while taking action and takes action while resting.
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"The real secret of life is to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play."
—Alan Watts
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To bring it all together…
Each and every one of us holds a unique set of qualities and talents. If we joyfully exercise these qualities in a dedicated manner, we become Masters of our lives and act in harmony with Life. Our actions then become effortless, and our rest becomes rejuvenating. In this way, we cultivate a balanced life where our unique gifts can flourish and positively impact those around us. We then allow ourselves to be vital links in the great Chain of Life.
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May you have the courage to live joyfully and harmoniously.
Max Kristopher Komes
www.MaxKomes.com
Max Komes is a Masters-level Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern offering supervised in-person counseling services in Pensacola, Florida, as well as statewide.
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Together, we are rediscovering Clarity. Visit ClaritySanctuary.org to join Clarity Sanctuary — a sanctuary for clarity amidst the confusions of life.
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This writing is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have imminent health concerns, please call 1-800-NAMI.
