The Fulfillment of Working Full-Time: A Reflection on Physical Labor and Mental Peace
Oh, how I love my full-time job! There are few things in life that bring more joy than completing a physically demanding task. The satisfaction and sense of accomplishment are unmatched, and working full-time reignites a spark within me—a feeling I can’t describe but surely love.
It was a particularly thrilling moment when I landed my first full-time job right after high school. With my mother’s encouragement, I embarked on a job search and eventually found an insurance company to work for. The sense of independence and financial stability was unparalleled. In those early days, securing a job meant navigating the challenges of adolescence, knowing that every effort was worthwhile.
The journey to employment can be arduous, filled with uncertainties. Yet, I genuinely feel blessed to have found a job that not only provides financial security but also brings genuine fulfillment. It’s important to have a job that aligns with your passions, and for many, self-employment or a small business can be the perfect solution. Starting your own venture can often be more fulfilling and beneficial than a traditional job, offering the flexibility and creativity that a full-time position might not provide.
Over the years, I’ve dedicated more time to my work, often exceeding the typical full-time hours. My current job is part-time and even then, it is a demanding 9-hour day, stretching from 1.5 hours commute to the office desk. However, the satisfaction of working in full-time capacity, even if it means working longer hours, is truly a blessing. I must admit, there is a palpable difference in dealing with a full-time work schedule, as compared to the idle and potentially tiring hours of part-time employment.
The benefits of being fully engaged in work, particularly in tasks you love, are immense. When you are deeply focused or devoted, there is often a surprising absence of tiredness. The energy levels and mental state seem almost invigorating. As children play and what might be perceived as fatigue sets in, it's not true exhaustion. They are simply glucose-adept kids, not lacking energy at all. Similarly, as adults, when engrossed in a task we love, the break for lunch often gets pushed back, as one is driven to complete the work first. It’s only when focus wanes that such biological cues to food or rest become evident.
Working full-time, even for extended hours, can be a different experience. Physically demanding tasks on a daily basis can result in the body and mind being entirely at peace. Many work continuously for 20 hours a day, yet remain healthy and appear younger. This might sound incredible, but scientific experiments and studies have confirmed that physical growth and aging relate more to our mindset than our activities. Sitting idly while the mind is filled with continuous activities can lead to a healthier physique despite the longer work hours. This is a testament to the singular focus and mental peace that comes from such work.
Control over breath is another factor that can influence aging and overall well-being. The more you breathe, the more you age, as it depletes the body’s energy reserves. Conversely, focusing on concentration can reign in the breath and maintain a balance, thus preserving health and vitality. This is a profound insight rooted in the secrets of Indian Yoga and Hindu living styles, emphasizing the control of one's inner experience to influence external phenomena.
In conclusion, working full-time does not necessarily mean being overworked with no regard for health. When you find fulfillment in your work, the body and mind can remain at peace, even during extended hours. The key lies in harnessing the power of mental focus and breath control to maintain health and youthfulness. I hope that by sharing these reflections, others might also find joy and fulfillment in their full-time work.