In the ‘busi-ness’ of my daily routine, I rarely take a moment to stop and ask myself how I’m really doing. Oh, I do ask myself things filled with self-judgment like: “How can I be more efficient today? How can I get more results out of my work? How can I improve my relationships? How can I be a better person? Can I relax further into the Camel Pose?” As far as I can remember, I’ve used each day to get better at something. I’ve wondered whether that comes from a place of not feeling like I’m enough. I’m not sure about that yet, but it certainly comes from a driving force inside that I need to be continuously going ‘up.’
That kind of drive can be enjoyable and rewarding – until it’s not. There are times when I haven’t gotten to where I thought I ‘should be by now’ that I fall into an abyss of self-doubt and despairing emotions. I’ve become a pro at letting those emotions pass through me until I can wake up one day ready to go at it again. This cycle served me well – until now.
For a couple of years now, my husband, Michael Lee, and founder of PRYT has been diving into the concept of ‘flourishing.’ What’s interesting to me is the nuance that ‘flourishing’ doesn’t feel the same as ‘achieving’.
He found a Harvard study on flourishing and became passionate about the concept. Flourishing isn’t about getting somewhere. It’s more about what makes your spirit light up and feel joy in the moment. And in as many single moments as you can string together to make a life.
Michael delved deep into this idea of flourishing, and what struck me the most was how he intertwined it with his newfound commitment to Buddhism. It’s like he’s merged the ancient wisdom of Buddhist philosophy with modern psychology to create his own unique path to fulfillment. He’s even developed an online course centered around flourishing, blending mindfulness practices, gratitude exercises, and compassion training to help others cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment.
Watching Michael’s transformation has been inspiring. He’s shifted his focus from constantly striving for external validation and success to nurturing his relationships and finding meaning in each moment. It’s not that he’s abandoned his ambitions or aspirations; rather, he’s approached them with a newfound sense of clarity and purpose, grounded in compassion and mindfulness.
Through his own journey and his online course, Let’s Flourish, Michael shows me that true flourishing isn’t about reaching some ‘goal’; it’s about embracing the journey with an open heart and mind, finding joy and fulfillment in the present moment, and cultivating a sense of connection—to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us. And in doing so, he’s inviting us all to explore what it truly means to flourish in our own lives.
What aspects of your life do you find yourself striving in, and how do you think embracing flourishing could make a difference?
Please share in the comments below.
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Ready to flourish in your relationship and embrace flourishing with your partner? Join Michael and me online for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day Date Night filled with partner yoga, meditation and contemplation: February 14. We can’t wait to share this enriching experience with you.
The older I get, the easier it is too flourish. The easier it is to let go of an achievement based society, and feel joy for where I am on my journey and where others are on theirs.
Yes. I’m finding the same.
The Flourishing program is wonderful. I have been trying to let go of the striving (for me at this moment that means recreating my old rituals and routine) and am trying to adapt to a new country, a new schedule and a new purpose. (A bit less purpose-ful.)
Glad you are enjoying it, Theresa! We’re lucky to have you in the program!
I love this concept of flourishing rather than achieving. I received this email just as I’m pondering the purpose of my life, again! I definitely want to participate in this class
Thanks for sharing, Mary. Hope to see you Wed!