Calling yourself lazy might seem like an accurate way to describe those moments when you aren’t able to complete tasks or feel uninspired to do your work. But the word lazy is a pejorative in our culture — it’s never used in a neutral way. When we call someone is lazy, we mean that they’re untrustworthy, shiftless, or selfishly willing to let someone else bear our load instead of contributing our share. I don’t think that’s who you are. In fact, I believe that whenever you thoughtlessly label yourself as “lazy” you’re not only making yourself feel badly, you’re also ignoring an important truth: you’re suffering.
To understand why you’re unable to fulfill your responsibilities, you’ll need to connect with this suffering instead of calling yourself names. Maybe you’re experiencing difficult feelings, physical pain, or challenging circumstances. You could be staring at your overly long list of tasks feeling anxious and overwhelmed because they seem impossible to complete. It’s possible that you’re grieving or depressed, and simply have little energy right now. Or it could be that you’ve pushed yourself past your limit and you simply have no more capacity to perform until you rest and refresh your body and mind.
Go back and take care of yourself. Your body needs you, your feelings need you, your perceptions need you.
—Thich Nhat Hanh
Today’s meditation will help you peel back the lazy label and open your heart to whatever you discover underneath it. Then you’ll be able to understand the best ways to care for yourself with wisdom and compassion. You might realize that you need to rest or nap; shut off your computer and take a walk; or maybe reach out to others for support. One thing is certain — calling yourself lazy or believing that there is something wrong with you isn’t going to help you. It’s just going to make you feel worse and even less able to act effectively and constructively.
Plan to practice daily, contemplate the following questions, and share your insights in the comments section:
Do you think you’re lazy? Does it help you? When do you call yourself lazy? Are there other negative labels you like to give yourself?
Practice Opportunities!
It’s much easier to establish and maintain a practice with support from other people! This autumn I’m offering even more ways to meditate, and I hope you’ll join me for:
Steady, Calm, and Brave twice-monthly live video sessions continue! We’ll meet next on July 28. Check the schedule at this link.
I have openings in my calendar for One-on-One private sessions. If you’d like to feel less overwhelmed and more steady in your life and relationships, I can help you. Learn more and book a free intro session here.
Mind💚Body Workshop via Zoom on September 18th. Free for Paid Members but you must RSVP. Non-members register for $20. All info at this link.
The next in-person Morning Mindfulness Retreat in Troy will be on October 10th! Registration and info soon!
My dear friends, may we all be free from hatred and ill-will. May we recognize each other as sisters and brothers, and remember our inextricable connection to one another. May our efforts dispel the darkness and suffering of all sentient beings everywhere. Sabbe satta sukhi hontu.
May it be so!
Metta+++,
Kim✨
