So often we hear about being rather than doing. Often its given as advice when we are overwhelmed, overworked and overstressed. You should just be. Youre doing too much. Well, yes, obviously, but what does that MEAN? How do we just be?

I happen to think the people saying this dont even really know what it means and are just giving it as a platitude, trying to help, but it doesnt help if you dont know how to implement it.

Here are some ways in which being is different from doing.

Hearing vs. Listening

If I really hear you, I understand what youre saying and, more importantly, what youre not saying. I grasp the full import of your words and silences. Im not just listening with one ear. Im really getting you.

Learning vs. Studying

I can study all day long, but if at the end of the day all I really know is whats going to be on the test, it doesnt do me much good. Learning is about absorbing whats being taught. Once Ive learned something, I dont need to study it the next time.

Coming to Believe vs. Deciding

Decisions can be arrived at two waysby coming to believe this is the right course, or by deciding this is the right course. Youve heard the term executive decision. Often that means Ive just decided something without reference to any outside sources or even to what I really think. By coming to believe something, Ive made an authentic, informed decision.

Realizing vs. Jumping to Conclusions

Its easy to jump to conclusions and just know something is true. Really knowing its true, from a centered, authentic place in your heart and not just in your head, is more difficult. Its also the best way to reach the truth.

Being Effective vs. Being Efficient

Being effective means getting the right things done in the right way. Being efficient means getting the most things done in the least time. Obviously there is some advantage to getting things done in less time, but its absolutely crucial that this should be done in the most EFFECTIVE way.

As you can see, Being vs. Doing is actually about what youre doing and how youre doing it. Initially it might sound like just sitting around, but its a very active process.