Why you need to take time to be | Trinity Moulton | TEDxBentleyU

Key Concepts

• Doing vs. Being: The contrast between action-oriented achievement and present moment awareness.
• Present Moment: Focusing on the current experience rather than future goals or past events.
• Contentment: A state of happiness and satisfaction with one's life.
• Mental Clarity: A state of clear and focused thinking.
• Self-Imposed Demands: Pressures and expectations that individuals place on themselves.
• Reset and Refresh: Activities that help to rejuvenate the mind and body.

The American "Doing" Society

• American culture emphasizes "doing," focusing on achievements, goals, and action.
• Individuals spend significant time on various activities, including work, school, family, hobbies, and social connections.
• The average American spends 4.5 hours daily scrolling on their phones.
• This constant "doing" can lead to a lack of appreciation for accomplishments and a feeling of being overwhelmed.

The Importance of "Being"

• "Being" involves taking time to live in the present moment and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation.
• Examples of "being" include watching the sunset, having meaningful conversations, and engaging in hobbies.
• "Being" allows individuals to appreciate their achievements and feel more content, mentally clear, and positive.
• Without "being," individuals may miss out on small and meaningful moments in life.

The Bentley University Experiment

• A sociology course at Bentley University involved an exercise where students had to sit in a public area for 10 minutes without using their phones or interacting with others.
• The speaker recounts their own experience with this exercise, initially feeling nervous and self-conscious about what others might think.
• The speaker realized that most people were too preoccupied with their own activities to notice or care.
• This experience highlighted the importance of taking time to "be" and observe the world around us.

Study Abroad in France: A Shift in Perspective

• The speaker's study abroad experience in France exposed them to a different way of life that prioritized "being."
• In France, people often engaged in simple activities like biking, reading, and enjoying nature.
• The speaker adopted this approach, spending time hiking, reading, and connecting with others.
• This period was the most content and joyful the speaker had felt in their college experience.

Reintegrating "Being" into Daily Life

• Upon returning to Bentley, the speaker felt overwhelmed by the demands of American society.
• They realized the need to intentionally incorporate "being" into their daily routine.
• The speaker stepped away from campus jobs and instead focused on activities that brought them joy, such as walking, connecting with professors, and taking dance classes.
• The speaker emphasizes that "being" doesn't have to be difficult and can start with just 10 minutes a day.

Practical Steps to Incorporate "Being"

• Find activities that bring you back to the present moment, such as meditating, running, or spending quality time with loved ones.
• Resist the urge to constantly fill your time with activities.
• Use waiting time as an opportunity to be still and observe your surroundings.
• Remember that "being" is just as important as "doing" and can lead to greater contentment and connection.

Key Quote

• "Being is filled with opportunities and it creates more connection to yourself those around you your surroundings leading you to feel more content within your own lives."

Conclusion

The speaker argues that in a society that prioritizes "doing," it is essential to intentionally incorporate "being" into our lives. By taking time to live in the present moment and engage in activities that bring us joy, we can improve our mental clarity, feel more content, and appreciate the world around us. The speaker encourages listeners to find small ways to integrate "being" into their daily routines and to remember that they are enough, regardless of their accomplishments.