I’ve always loved learning from other cultures and ancient wisdom in particular. We tend to see these things come back into fashion and pitched to our western world as the new solution and yet it’s never really that new. Yoga was ancient wisdom well before lululemon found it. Monks were meditating well before mindfulness become fashionable and our Maori ancestors were well versed in our connection to the land and living in harmony with whenua before climate change was on the agenda.
In particular though I’ve always marvelled at how ancient cultures all over the world have valued space and time to think. Whether it’s monks in caves, pilgrimages or aboriginal walk abouts there are many examples of people prioritsing space and solitude - getting away from it all and just being. It’s also a practice that cultivates deep connection to something bigger and in many ancient cultures is a practice considered to make you wiser!
I couldn’t agree more and it’s the foundational practice that has enabled me to innovate, problem solve, get perspective and gain greater clarity which is why I’m a passionate advocate.
However in our busy modern lives we’ve deprioritised space and quiet in favour of busyness, noise and doing. We live in a world of information overload, fast living and full schedules where we think we can get more done and yet the quality and value of what we’re doing has been suffering for years. I believe the answer lies in cultivating this space and quiet. As Ram Dass said “the quieter you become, the more you can hear”
This thinking space is so critical. It’s where we innovate, it’s how we think strategically, it’s how we process our thoughts and calm our minds, it’s also how we focus and gain clarity to make decisions and solve problems. Not to mention the impact it has on overwhelm, stress and our emotional regulation.
The practice of being by ourselves and getting some quiet space helps improve our focus and concentration and tap into a different part of the brain. Yet it’s a practice we’ve become uncomfortable doing and under valued for too long. It’s not easy to sit with our own thoughts these days but it’s possible the most impactful thing you can do.
I don’t all mean we need to find a cave to meditate in. It’s making the most of our moments, the purposeful pauses throughout our day. Detaching from our devices for a few hours. Spending some time in nature. Being by ourselves and not watching, reading or listening to anything. Being present in your surroundings. Journalling. Going for a walk or a swim. Finding space to think and be without consuming.
I believe it’s where we create the most value and impact both in life and in work when we give the brain space to think. It’s where our best ideas come from and where we gain clarity and focus. Yet so often we prioritise doing over being. Being busy and getting things done believing this is how productivity works.
I’d encourage you to seek the difference between quality and quantity, consider how you add impact and value above hours worked and busy distractions. Where can you carve out time and space in your schedule to think?