The Art of Existing

Learning how to slow down and appreciate the little things

Existence is beautiful and rare. You being here and reading this is proof. Scientifically speaking, a woman typically has a total of about 100,000 eggs in their lifetime. The man produces about 4 quadrillion sperm. The likelihood of your specific pairing is about 1 in 400 quadrillion. How beautiful is that? What is even more beautiful is that the Lord knit you together in your mother’s womb to be exactly who you are today. He knows your entire life. Your thoughts. Your traits. Everything. Existing is beautiful.

I think social media has almost desensitized us to the fact that existence is so beautiful and rare. It has led us to see life as if we’re in a hurry. We spend our whole childhood waiting to grow up, all week waiting for Friday, and all year for summer. We look at where everyone else is in life and immediately feel the urge to rush. We rush timelines that were never ours to control. We’ve forgotten the art of existing.

So what is the art of existing?

I’m not looking up a specific definition here, but for me, the art of existing is finding joy in simple things and peace rather than always needing to perform. It is being grateful for the life you currently live. It is not worrying about being “on time” or keeping up with people around you. It’s being content in the place the Lord has placed you.

How do we find it again?

We find it through one simple concept. Slowing down. The little things in life, the mundane nuances, the daily routines, that is how we find it. We learn to appreciate the slowness of life. We learn to appreciate the mundane things of daily life. We learn to trust the Lord fully. We find peace.

We live in such a fast-paced world where we expect huge, instant gratification from those around us. But the reality is we were never designed to live like this. The Lord never wanted this for us.

The biblical art of existence is learning to live fully seen by God, rather than endlessly trying to be seen by the world.

You were never made to please everyone on social media. You were never meant to have the most post-worthy job, career, or life. You were made for so much more.

Ways to Rediscover the Art of Existing

1. Stop measuring your worth by visibility

The world teaches us that being seen is being valuable. Scripture says that being known by God is enough.

“…Your Father who sees in secret…”

Matthew 6:6

Ask yourself:

Am I chasing recognition more than peace?

Do I only feel valuable when others notice me?

2. Learn to abide in Him instead of performing for others

You do not have to constantly prove yourself to deserve love or purpose.

“Abide in Me.”

John 15:4

Ways to practice this:

Spend quiet time with God.

Pray honestly.

Let yourself rest and don’t feel guilty about it!

3. Stop shrinking yourself to make others comfortable

Biblical humility is not self-hatred. Jesus was humble, but He still spoke truth, took up space, and walked with a purpose.

Signs you may be “existing small” in an unhealthy way:

apologizing for everything

hiding your gifts

silencing your feelings

fearing rejection constantly

God did not create you to disappear.

4. Stay faithful

Not every season is “extraordinary.” Some of the holiest moments happen in the ordinary.

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:31

This can look like:

showing up consistently

loving people well

Taking care of your mind and body

being honest with God

5. Let God define your identity

Your existence is not centered around productivity, appearance, success, or attention.

“You are God’s masterpiece.”

Ephesians 2:10

Define your identity by:

replace self-condemning thoughts with Scripture

Surround yourself with life-giving people

Stop speaking unkindly about yourself

Remember that God calls you chosen, loved, and purposeful

6. Allow yourself to be fully seen by God

Healing begins when we stop hiding.

David, Elijah, Job, and many others brought their exhaustion, grief, fear, and questions directly to God. Existence is not pretending you’re okay. It’s learning how to stay close to God and be honest.

7. Find beauty in living quietly

Life is not always loud and what you may deem “post-worthy.”

Sometimes the art of existence looks like:

morning prayer

coffee and Scripture

serving quietly

healing slowly

choosing Him over performance

trusting God in every season

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:10

The art of existence isn't learning how to disappear just because your life doesn’t look like that of the person you follow on social media. It is learning how to live fully loved by God without needing the world to validate your existence!