Understanding the Root of Overwhelm: Why You’re Always Busy but Never Fulfilled
Hey, dear friend, have you ever felt like you’re running on a treadmill that just won’t stop? Your to-do list is endless, your phone’s buzzing, and yet, at the end of the day, there’s this nagging emptiness—like you’re doing everything but feeling nothing. Let’s sit down for a moment, you and I, and talk about this overwhelm that’s got so many of us in its grip. Did you know that over 70% of people in urban India report feeling overwhelmed by work and life demands, according to a 2023 mental health survey? That’s most of us, isn’t it?
Picture this: my friend Priya, a marketing manager and mom of two, once told me, “Sadhguru Ashutosh, I’m juggling meetings, school pickups, and deadlines, but when I hit the bed, I feel like I’ve achieved nothing.” Sound familiar? Why does this happen? Why are we so busy but never fulfilled?
Why Is This a Modern Life Problem?
Let’s take a step back. Our modern world is like a buffet with too many dishes—work emails, social media, family expectations, and that pressure to “be somebody.” Technology keeps us connected 24/7, but it also chains us to notifications and comparisons. Society tells us to hustle, to fill every moment with “productivity.” But here’s a question: are you living for your joy, or are you just ticking boxes for someone else’s idea of success? This constant doing, without pausing to be, is what makes overwhelm a modern epidemic. It’s not just Priya—it’s you, me, and the neighbor next door.
A Glimpse of Vedantic Wisdom
Now, let’s dive into the heart of it, my friend. Advaita Vedanta whispers a simple truth: you are not the doer, nor the experiencer—you are the witness, the pure awareness behind it all. Overwhelm isn’t caused by your tasks or your boss or even your overflowing inbox. It’s born in the mind when you identify with the chaos, when you think, “I am this stress, I am this busyness.” But are you, really? What if you’re the calm sky, and these tasks are just clouds passing by?
The root of overwhelm is this: you’ve forgotten your true nature, which is boundless, untouched by the world’s noise. When you cling to the idea that your worth lies in what you do, you create a cage of endless striving. What if, just for a moment, you stepped back and watched the chaos without getting entangled? Can you sense the freedom in that?
A Practical Way to Break Free
Here’s something you can try today, right now. First, pause for two minutes every morning—before you touch your phone. Sit quietly, close your eyes, and just observe your breath. Don’t control it; just watch it flow. Ask yourself, “Who is breathing?” Feel the space within you that’s untouched by deadlines or worries. This isn’t meditation—it’s just being with yourself.
Second, try this during the day: when overwhelm creeps in, write down one thing you’re doing just to “look good” or please others. Maybe it’s saying yes to a project you don’t have time for. Now, gently say no to it, or delegate it. Ask, “Is this truly for my joy?” Small steps like these loosen the grip of busyness, my friend.
The Hard Truth About Staying Stuck
Let’s be real—why do we keep running this race? It’s not just the world pushing us. It’s us. We’re lazy about questioning our habits. We crave validation—likes on Instagram, a pat on the back from the boss. We procrastinate on looking within because it’s easier to scroll or binge-watch than to face the quiet. But here’s the loving nudge: running after external approval is like chasing a mirage. It never quenches your thirst. Vedanta says, turn inward—your fulfillment is already there, waiting for you to stop and see it. Can you dare to pause and look?
A Soulful Close
My dear friend, you’re not here to just pay bills or check emails. You’re here to dance with life, to taste its joy in every moment. Overwhelm is just a signal that you’ve drifted from your center. Come back to it. You are enough, just as you are—not because of what you do, but because of who you are: pure, limitless awareness. So, tonight, before you sleep, ask yourself this: “What if I let go of one thing that’s weighing me down—what would my heart feel then?”
Takeaways
Issue: Overwhelm comes from mistaking busyness for fulfillment, driven by modern life’s endless demands.
Spiritual Solution: You are not the chaos but the calm witness—step back and see it.
Action Step: Pause for two minutes daily to watch your breath and question one unnecessary task.
Feeling the weight of overwhelm? Chat with Awakened Friend, your compassionate guide, to uncover personalized spiritual insights and practical steps tailored to your journey. Start a conversation now and rediscover your inner calm!
