More Human Being, Less Human Doing: The Key to Healing

By Tasha Karidis, HWC, CYT, CMT

In our fast-paced world, productivity is often worn like a badge of honor. We push ourselves to do more, achieve more, and be constantly on the move. But in this endless cycle of "human doing," we forget one crucial truth—our bodies cannot heal in a state of chronic stress.

The Nervous System and Healing

The human nervous system operates in two primary modes: sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest). The sympathetic nervous system is designed for survival. It helps us respond to danger, whether real or perceived, by increasing heart rate, pumping stress hormones, and directing energy toward immediate action. While this response is essential in emergencies, living in a constant state of fight-or-flight wreaks havoc on our health.

When we are always "on"—whether from work stress, family responsibilities, financial worries, or even excessive screen time—our bodies stay in a heightened state of alertness. Over time, this chronic stress depletes our immune system, weakens digestion, disrupts sleep, and contributes to inflammation, which is at the root of most chronic illnesses.

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Healing Happens in Being

True healing occurs when we shift into the parasympathetic state, also known as "rest and digest." This is when the body repairs tissues, detoxifies, digests food properly, and balances hormones. It’s the state where healing becomes possible.

So how do we transition from a constant state of doing to a state of being?

1. Massage Therapy: A Gateway to Deep Relaxation

Massage is one of the most effective ways to signal the nervous system that it’s safe to relax. Therapeutic touch helps lower cortisol (the stress hormone) while boosting serotonin and dopamine, which promote feelings of well-being.

Massage also:

• Reduces muscular tension caused by chronic stress.

• Improves circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells.

• Activates the vagus nerve, which is directly linked to parasympathetic function.

• Supports detoxification, helping the body release stored toxins that contribute to inflammation and chronic illness.

When we allow ourselves to receive rather than constantly give, we remind our nervous system what it feels like to be nurtured and cared for.

2. Yoga: The Practice of Being Present

Yoga is not just about movement—it’s about learning how to be present in your body. Gentle, mindful yoga, such as Yin or Restorative Yoga, helps shift the nervous system into a parasympathetic state.

Practices like Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra are especially powerful in:

• Releasing stored tension in deep connective tissues, where stress often accumulates.

• Slowing the breath, which signals to the brain that there is no immediate danger.

• Enhancing vagal tone, improving our ability to regulate stress.

• Promoting better sleep and digestion, as the body is no longer in survival mode.

In my weekly Yin Yoga classes, I often remind students that healing isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about softening, surrendering, and allowing the body to do what it naturally knows how to do.

3. Prioritize Stillness

Stillness doesn’t mean doing nothing; it means allowing space for presence. Whether it’s a few minutes of deep breathing, a warm bath, or a quiet walk in nature, creating moments of stillness reminds your body that it’s okay to let go.

4. Breathe with Intention

One of the quickest ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system is through breathwork. Try slow belly breathing or the 4-7-8 breath (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8). This immediately shifts the body from stress to relaxation.

5. Embrace Rest Without Guilt

Many of us feel guilty when we slow down, but rest is not a luxury—it’s a biological necessity. Whether it’s a short nap, a quiet moment in nature, or a warm bath with essential oils, intentional relaxation is healing.

The Power of Being

When we stop glorifying busyness and start honoring our body’s need for stillness, we unlock a powerful truth: Healing isn’t about doing more—it’s about allowing more. In a world that praises productivity, choosing to slow down is a radical act of self-care.

So today, I invite you to pause. Breathe deeply. Soften your body. Be present. Your healing is not in the next task—it’s in this very moment.