A Calm or Exciting Life (Which would you choose?)
It’s an interesting question. I recently read an article titled “The World Prefers a Calm Life to an Exciting Life,” by Steve Crabtree and Alden Lai. In a Gallup poll, when asked would you rather live an exciting life or a calm life, research showed that across 116 countries and territories, 72% of adults said they would rather live a calm life than an exciting life. Only 16% said the reverse.*
The research includes questions relative to balance and harmony and meaning and purpose in the respondents’ lives. The preference for a calm life was consistent across different countries, regions, and cultural settings. Even in high-income regions such as North America and Western Europe, at least 2/3 say they would rather live a calm life.
The question is why. The article referenced that the global population felt the stress of how Covid 19 jeopardized public health. There are very few positive things that have come out of the pandemic, but one may have been a renewed yearning for a balanced life—a life which includes deeper meaning and commitment among the relationships we hold most dear.
When I launched PAUSE MORE. RUSH LESS. a few years ago, I based it on the belief that we all need to slow down our lives to live them more fully. And that’s why I have written here on topics such as living in the moment, recognizing everyday miracles, being present, doing less, unplugging from your world, appreciating nature, focusing on people, how to find pleasure in anything, taking the scenic route, and how revisiting the past enriches the present—to name a few.
As I’ve said before, I’ve chosen the calm life because I believe that slowing down allows us to see more, listen more, hear more, and feel more. Seems to me that there's a direct correlation between enjoyment in life and the speed in which you live it. And living a little bit slower may be the best way to experience life—and fully engage it.
*Source: Wellbeing for Planet Earth (WPE) Foundation/Gallup 2020.
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SOMETHING TO CHEW ON: Which would you choose: a calm life or an exciting life? Tell me why. I’d love to hear from you. jamescmagruder@gmail.com
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY: If you enjoy contemplative writing, you will love Sarah E. Westfall. She has a newsletter called THE SHELF that will make you think. I have attached a sample from her November 19th issue here. I’m sure this issue will give you “pause” to reflect. Just click here. 3IiulEy If you want to subscribe to her free newsletter, simply go to her website at sarahewestfall.com.
Photo by Dean McQuade
