I know I've heard the stories a little too many times, of people in their deathbeds wishing they’d lived a little, or spent more time with their loved ones. We also never hear of anyone wishing, even in their old age, that they should have worked harder or spent more time making money.
Unfortunately, despite all the 'new' wisdom, we hardly change our ways. We tell ourselves “That won’t be me”. But we keep on moving like zombies.
Most of us wake up, follow our routines, and go to bed, often on autopilot, without fully experiencing the richness and depth of life itself. Most of the things you do on a day-to-day basis are highly routine, the time of wake up, the breakfast you take or don’t take, the route you use to work, the people you speak to, the places you visit and shop, the bills you pay. You could almost automate your life.
The Zombie Lifestyle
Many of us are constantly rushing from one task to another, barely aware of the world around us. We are physically present at work, but mentally, we are miles away. We consume our meals without savoring the flavors, and our conversations lack depth because we are preoccupied with the next item on our to-do list (on our not-to-do list).
I find myself once in a while, zoning off from conversations as my mind drifts to other issues of my day. Wondering about what I did not accomplish or what I need to do tomorrow; unfortunately, I find myself doing this even to my kids and husband when they are speaking to me.
This zombie-like existence is characterized by a lack of mindfulness and awareness. Are you living like a Zombie? Here are some signs that you are a zombie:
- Mindless Routine: You go about your day without questioning or thinking deeply about your actions. Like have you asked yourself why you have to take a certain route and not the other? Or why you’re eating a meal you’re not enjoying? Why you’re not substituting things you don’t enjoy with more of the things you enjoy?
- Constant Distraction: Your attention is fragmented by constant notifications, screens, and distractions. You start doing one thing, then something pops in that needs your attention and you immediately jump on it, leaving the previous work undone.
- Emotional Numbness: You might feel emotionally detached or numb, unable to connect with your feelings or those of others. You see others as objects to fulfill a certain need and any emotions involved seem to be an unwanted development.
- Unfulfilling Relationships: You seem to have superficial connections and lack meaningful interactions, leaving you feeling isolated. This can unconsciously be due to your attitude.
- Living for the Future: You're always focused on future goals and rarely take time to appreciate the present moment. You’re either looking forward to the end of something, or the beginning of something. End month and your salary or the weekend.
Awakening to Life
Living consciously is the antidote to the zombie lifestyle. It involves being fully present, mindful, and intentional in everything you do. When you live consciously, you engage with life in a way that allows you to savor every experience, connect deeply with others, and make choices aligned with your values and desires. It brings more meaning and bounces to life.
People who choose to live consciously are happier, hardly get unwell, and seem to have more friends and meaningful relations around them. Making conscious decisions not because they work but because you’ve chosen them, and do enjoy them. I think we unconsciously think that it’s difficult to make a new decision every day I’ve written about reducing the number of decisions you make every day to leave your creative mind more space to handle tougher decisions. However, I think change is important now and then – even if to awaken some nerves in your brain.
Take a different route to work or home now and then, change the evening or morning routine once in a while when you can, and enjoy a different meal every so often. Here are a few ways you can awaken yourself back to life and start living consciously. (note to self)
Breaking Free from the Zombie Lifestyle
Here are some steps to help you break free from zombie life:
- Practice Mindfulness:
Mindfulness simply put, is becoming consciously aware of what’s going on both inside and outside of you. Looking inwardly and silently acknowledging any pain or fatigue there is, and using breathing exercises to relax. Outwardly by being aware of the trees around you, if there are any birds, what sounds are in your environment, and the beauty of the colors around you. It means, listening to the clinging of the spoons and plates, tasting the food in your mouth, and allowing your taste buds to enjoy what the chef has prepared. It means feeling your feet on the ground as they walk, the muscles in your body as they move, and feeling the weather on your face and head. - Reflect on Your Values:
Identify your personal core values, not your employers’, and use them as a compass for decision-making. What are your irreducible minimums? What can you allow and can you truly not allow in your life? You make choices based on your values and what truly matters to you, rather than drifting along with societal expectations. - Set Intentions:
Start each day with clear intentions for how you want to live and experience the day. You could start by choosing the 3 to 5 things you’ll need to accomplish each day, that will move you closer to your goal and faithfully do them, despite the interruptions. Learn to manage interruptions instead of them managing you. Make it intentional, and include everything that matters to you – this should include family and personal time to do something you love. - Disconnect to Reconnect:
Limit digital distractions and prioritize face-to-face interactions. Switch off the internet at certain times – during focus and family time for example, during meal times and at night as you sleep. I know of people who sleep with their phones connected online, and those that wake up and the first thing they do is look at the phone and read messages. Allow for better morning routines free from gadgets – unless, of course, the routine is an audiobook, a meditation, or an exercise app. - Cultivate Gratitude:
Keep a gratitude journal to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your life. Your health, your material possessions, your mental capacity, your friends and family. A little gratitude will give you a glad heart. - Seek Meaning:
Explore your passions and interests to infuse your life with purpose. Many of us ‘grow up’ and forget about our passion as we pursue possession. Unfortunately, possession has never given the satisfaction that passion can give. Finding meaning in your life by incorporating your passion into your everyday work will go a long way in awakening the zombie in you. - Make Meaningful Connections:
You only gain a friend by being a friend. Your relationships are characterized by empathy, active listening, and genuine connection. Be the friend you would like others to be to you. Remember, you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. It might require that you drop some friendships that are no longer serving you. - Self-Care:
Prioritize your self-care and well-being, nourishing your body, mind, and soul. If you don’t take care of yourself, nobody else will. You’ve heard from the Good Book that “Love your neighbor as you love yourself”. Meaning you can’t truly know how to love your neighbor if you don’t know how to love yourself, to care for yourself.
Living consciously is a choice to awaken from the zombie-like existence that many of us unwittingly fall into. It's about reclaiming your life, being present, and living with intention and purpose. While the zombie lifestyle might offer a semblance of comfort and routine, it pales in comparison to the vibrant, meaningful, and fulfilled life that conscious living can bring. So, ask yourself: Are you living like a zombie or are you ready to embrace the transformative power of conscious living? The choice is yours, and the journey is worth it.
