O.H.M. is the acronym for Overtures Honoring Mindfulness, a collection of the written word that speaks to my heart, mind & soul.

The Pressure to Do

The pressure to do never stops

even when your schedule is empty, with every loose end tied up,

even when you've guided every project to completion

and know you've earned the right to relax

and relish your achievements, at least for a while --

but the pressure won't let you rest.

The pressure is never satisfied

like an animal with an endless appetite

that devours every activity then hunts for more.

It's with you as soon as you wake up

and keeps nagging and nudging throughout the day

and sometimes keeps you awake at night

whispering, "There's still so much to do,"

reminding you of what you didn't manage to do today

and what waits to be done tomorrow.

The pressure to do convinces you

that all this activity is necessary

that the present only exists to serve the future

that moments are empty spaces that must be filled

that time is an enemy and your life a constant battle

and every achievement -- even every completed task -- a tiny victory.

But you don't have to let the pressure push you --

maybe you've done enough already.

Maybe there's nothing more to do

apart from what is necessary.

Maybe further achievements

will only dilute what you've already done.

Stand firm and resist the impulse

stand back and let the momentum fade.

Relax and let the pressure pass you by

then guide yourself gently back to a standstill

like a train that slows and finally comes to rest.

Then your life will open up like a landscape all around you

and time will expand until there is no time at all

only free-flowing unbroken space.

Then the pressure to do will give way

to the ease and grace of being.