Life is intense. Why do we make it more so by continually cranking up the intensity: more hours at work, calories to burn, or money in the bank? Constantly striving for more creates intensity. Increasing the intensity of life without intention is insanity. Living with intention means enjoying what we have, how we are, and where we are without feeling like we need to have, do, or be more. Contentment requires a delicate balance between the two. Knowing what is enough for you is the distinguishing factor.
A good example is from my cross-training class. The workouts are designed to be physically demanding. The goal is to complete the exercises to the best of your ability in the allotted time. Sometimes, everyone finishes, but not always. No matter what, we all encourage one another to keep going. We don’t keep track of each other’s progress. Instead, each person holds themselves accountable. There is one person, though, who not only finishes but also offers to accompany others in completing what is left of their workout.
After a particularly challenging workout, she offered to do half of my remaining 93 burpees. Kind as her offer was, I declined, and I skipped the burpees altogether. She was willing and able to give more. I had no more to give. We both gave it our best and made it through a very challenging workout. Our intensity and intentions were different but suited each of us individually. Her goal was to accomplish every exercise on the board. Mine was to complete as much as I could in the 50 minutes. Mission accomplished for both of us.
Giving it your all, regardless of what someone else’s best is, is living with intensity and personal intention. Life is intense, but we can choose our level of intensity.
