We’re Human Beings, Not Human Doings

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“There is more to life than increasing its speed.” – Mahatma Gandhi 

Many of you ask me about what I read and watch.  At the moment I’m reading ‘The Magic Of Groundhog Day’ and this week I shared on Facebook what the five key messages are: 

Perfectly in keeping with the message about living each day to its best and being present and grateful for what you have, I then spotted this video.

As you probably know, I lived on an island (in the Bahamas) that was remote and my nearest neighbour was 2.5 miles away. We had no TV and very dodgy internet connections and the one local shop was like something out of the 1950s so if you wanted to eat well you had to catch it, grow it or bake it. I learned to do all three and I learned to love being in nature and being present. 

Eigg is one of four small islands off the coast of Scotland, populated by sheep, dogs, and 109 local residents. Charlie Galli drives the only taxi on the island. He moved there to find a slower way of life, and a community who place greater value on relationships and conversation than they do on gadgets such as their mobile phones. Handy given that there is no mobile signal! 

Spend a lovely few minutes catching up with Charlie as he shares his life philosophy. He likes to remember his memories via a ‘human brain’ not a ‘hard drive’ and end the day watching the sun set as he sips a whiskey. He says: “Sometimes I think there’s too much technology involved in life,” he says. “It’s not real – you’re not meeting people, you’re not grabbing their hand and shaking it. We’re losing that power – the art of conversation.” 

To the side of the video is another link to an article I could have written. It is about busyness and how it is a currency by which we often measure our success and fulfilment yet it can leave us exhausted and feeling like we are being pulled in too many directions. This is certainly true of the old me. The one that developed dis-ease and depression. And I know it may be true of you or those you know and love too.  

Let’s all remember that we are human beings and not human doings. I have lots of advice in my book about how to get off the merry-go-round of always being busy, whether it is because you are creating this reality for yourself or are currently compromised in your choices and having too many demands and pressures put upon you.  

This is also where my coaching comes into its own. So, do reach out if, after watching and enjoying Charlie and his lifestyle, you would love more balance now.