BUSYNESS
Purpose has its place,
especially when paired
with awareness of the difference
between business and
busyness
Achieving results
in line with
life’s purpose,
is reward enough
by itself
Being busy
on the other hand,
empties hours of riches,
and saps bodies of
essential energy
How do we determine
the difference
between the two?
By taking a break
from both
To reconnect with wisdom,
which knows better than
to try directing business
through compulsive
busyness
©NAOMI ESTMENT, 2011
“When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another – and ourselves” – Jack Kornfield
“Life lived amid tension and busyness needs leisure. Leisure that recreates and renews. Leisure should be a time to think new thoughts, not ponder old ills.” – C. Neil Strait
“If work and leisure are soon to be subordinated to this one utopian principle – absolute busyness – then utopia and melancholy will come to coincide: an age without conflict will dawn, perpetually busy – and without consciousness.” – Gunter Grass
“The time to relax is – when you don’t have time for it.” – Sydney J. Harris
Here are two more images, to put the little bee into better perspective, as opposed to diving head-first into a feast of nectar 
Bee gathering nectar from a rose
Bee on a rose-bush
When busyness overwhelms the better part of business, as it did recently for me, I tend to resort to meditation. This seems to work without fail – which doesn’t explain why I’m so inconsistent about it 
– especially when it hits the sweet spot of inspiration, which feels something like brainstorming with the Universe . . .
“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.” – Buddha
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Naomi, thank you, you just have no idea how important this post is to me today. *heart*
Know what you mean, thanks Cindy. Dave reckons this applies more to me than anyone else! It’s good to see that you’re taking a richly-deserved break today…may you enjoy every moment
Now there’s a distinction I have never thought about before, Naomi. Very profound: I’ll be mulling it over all day.
Meditation is where it’s at
Thank you for your thoughts, Kate…given how profoundly you write, it figures that you meditate
Terrific post, poem, and pics!
“Don’t just do something . . . sit there!”
LOVE it, Nancy, thank you!
The women in my life seem to be getting busier as they purchase more supportive electronics. It’s a complete surprise being able to reach them in person. Being too busy is regularly discussed, yet they cannot resist taking on another challenge.
I don’t see men doing this as much as women, oddly enough!
It is very sad what busyness can do to relationships. My heart goes out to the children who come here on holidays with parents who are on cell phones, IPads and Kindles.
The question is – what does busyness help us avoid?
I mean to mention that I love those shapely hind legs holding all that pollen!
LOL! How very “you” to spot the shapeliness, Amy
So true, Amy, and what a great point you make – thank you. I’ll be pondering that one!
A wonderful poem and post … filled with truth and wisdom. We do often mistake busyness for business and for a life … Well done post – top to bottom – and fine photos to illustrate. Love roses and bees. Lush! Lovely!
Thanks Jamie! Too true that we sometimes “mistake busyness for a life”…scary.
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