Nothing is Missing
For several years now, I’ve contemplated the phrase “Nothing is Missing.” Its double meaning is helpful to me.
On one hand, it means that in the present moment, I have all that I need. My personality tends towards only seeing that which is wrong, off, or undone. I might then project this thinking into the future and feel anxious and overwhelmed about all the things coming my way that seem wrong, off, or undone. This self-induced stress then leads me to not be the best version of myself. So, as a practice, I’ve learned to slow down, breathe, and ask myself, “In this very moment, is anything missing”? And always the answer is “No.” Even if I feel uncomfortable physically or emotionally, I breathe in and out, notice those sensations in my mind and body, and center myself. Much of our pain in the modern world is psychological pain. Returning to the present moment, the “now,” is a way to disconnect from unhelpful thoughts and reconnect to the reality that Nothing is Missing. In the present, you have what you need.
On the other hand, the phrase Nothing is Missing means - nothingness is the thing that is missing. Typically, I am not needing MORE in my life. Rather, I need LESS. Sometimes “Nothing” is quite literally missing from my life because it is crammed full of so many damn events, obligations, hopes, dreams, anxieties, etc. To remain balanced, I need to create consistent space for “nothing.” Social media feeds are full of motivational maxims that encourage you to crush your goals, embrace the suck, and get to the grind. Consistent hard work is truly essential to accomplishing anything meaningful in life. However, if we don’t slow down and create space for nothing, our efforts will have diminishing returns, and we will eventually burn out. Even top athletes prioritize their post-workout recovery because it benefits their overall health and capacity. Likewise, prioritizing space to just “be” is essential for your mental, emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual recovery. If you find yourself rushing about frantically, longing for that thing that will give you some respite - it might be nothing.
This week, I invite you to contemplate the idea that Nothing is Missing. Periodically, stop, breathe, and ask yourself, “Is anything missing right now?” Also, check your schedule. Do you have time allotted for nothing? If not, say “No” to something to prioritize downtime in your life. Doing so will increase your capacity for good work.
Happy to be in your corner,
Tom Page, LCPC
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