Like many people, I sometimes feel that time slips through my fingers like sand. No sooner have you blinked than it feels like another year of life has passed. Now, of course, we know that with advancing age, the perception of time is constantly changing and thus also our perception of time itself.
But something special has happened in the last four weeks. Many of us are consciously experiencing an (unwanted) state of rest in life for the first time.
But what happens when all the distractions that occupy us on a daily basis are now shut down or even come to a complete standstill?
Some of us get scared, go into shock, get confused or even sad because we long for familiar patterns and routines.
But what else is happening?
We become more mindful, more grateful, feel a longing for closeness and consciously perceive our life and our transience again.
“Mono no aware” – The sadness of things
In this context, I often have to think of the Japanese words “mono no aware”. The poeticization of these words is unique here. In principle, one could say that this saying means the “sadness of things”, whereas within this sadness lies a yearning beauty.
And it’s exactly this feeling that is quite palpable at the moment: a deeper and more aesthetic sensitivity towards all things and one’s own life.
When the cycle of obligation, consumption and free space is suddenly interrupted and only the latter remains, it is as if someone has placed an hourglass horizontally and thereby given us a breathing space that allows us to find our way back to ourselves.
This sensitivity also plays a special role in business. Our offers are being revised, we are reflecting on previous strategies, looking for ways to restore human contact through alternatives, at least to some extent, and dedicating ourselves to the wishes and needs of our customers in an even more intensive manner.
And suddenly everything takes on a new meaning
When you have time to reflect on the fact that our work, our actions, our dreams, and our lives are fleeting, what does that do to you?
It helps you let go. It helps you to accept things and circumstances. It’s like someone letting air out of a balloon. Suddenly, we can let go of the pressure and devote ourselves to topics and things that are not only relevant to the market, but also important.
After all, the bottom line is that we don’t think of cherry trees as beautiful because they bloom so incessantly, but because we can only look at and enjoy their splendor for two weeks before it fades.
It is the same with our lives. We can only perceive ourselves as human beings and enjoy our lives knowing that they will eventually end.
And here the deeper meaning of “Mono no aware” is confirmed, because there is something sad as well as something beautiful in it.
Consider this moment as a gift in a difficult situation
Of course, we can now give in to our fear or anger because the current situation makes us dissatisfied and we also feel powerless.
However, we could also consciously decide to use this moment to embark on a new path.
Many take stock of their previous (working) life and become active again.
They are continuing their education and increasingly using online platforms to do so. You are looking for new professional opportunities and use coaching specifically for this purpose in order to reposition yourself with the support of a trustworthy sparring partner.
Many are starting to do something for themselves again, exercising or finally finishing that book that has been untouched for months.
Movement is also noticeable in business. Many companies are rethinking, trying to view the flexibilization of work structures as an opportunity, intensively reflecting on their vision, missions and values, and informing themselves about current trends of the future.
What I would like to say with that?
We have no influence on situations and circumstances that hit us abruptly and sometimes painfully. But we know one thing with certainty: they will pass and we can decide now with what attitude we want to face these challenging times.
How will you decide?
Whichever path you choose, remember: this too will pass away, for
The only constant in the universe is change. – Heraclitus
About the author
Kinga Bartczak advises, coaches and writes on female empowerment, new work culture, organizational development, systemic coaching and personal branding. She is also the managing director of UnternehmerRebellen GmbH and publisher of the FemalExperts magazine .
