We live in a world where most of the processes are instant – instant mail (email), instant bookings, instant calls and messages and yes, not to forget instant coffee!

From one point of view, we see that there is a benefit to live in such an ‘instant’ world – it saves time. But does it actually save time? Let`s take a deeper look into it.

We live in a plane of duality, it`s obvious that there is a flip side too of living in this so-called ‘instant’ world. Day in and out we get things done through mediums that are less time consuming or almost instant, which may lead to a tendency of instant gratification in us by making us lose our poise and patience.

When we want to get everything done in a moment (instantly) then somewhere we stop ourselves from reflecting upon many aspects of self that can eventually help us grow as human beings. For example, impulsively one might feel like shopping to feel better after an argument with a loved one and so the person shops which also makes them feel better. But is that a permanent solution to feeling good? Does it steal away the possibility of looking within self – which can help an individual grow or establish a better relationship?

When we do or want things impulsively, we come from a space of reaction rather than response. And it is this difference between living a reaction or response-based life that determines the quality of life. Coming from the premise of compulsion and wanting/doing things instantly can lead to more of entanglements (be it mental, emotional, financial or spiritual), eventually leading to more (wastage of) time required to untangle those entanglements in the later stages of life. For instance, messaging someone in a fit of anger may cause repent later.

As said by Lao Tzu, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” We human beings too need to pause and give ourselves some time – time to reflect.

Do you give yourself time to process your emotions?

Do you give yourself time to mindfully bathe, eat and drink?

Do you give yourself time to know yourself better?

Do you give time to know what life wants from you?

Do you give time to think before you speak?

PAUSE & REFLECT.