For some time, I’ve been grappling with the concept of “work-life balance.” Where did this notion originate—the idea that work and life are separate entities? In a typical day, we spend 16-18 hours awake, and out of those hours, 60-70% is devoted to work—whether in the office, on the field, or commuting. How can we comfortably claim that we don’t live our lives for 60% of our waking hours? Isn’t this idea fundamentally flawed? Why is work not considered part of life? Why don’t we enjoy it the same way we enjoy reading, painting, dancing, or nurturing nature? Shouldn’t we be talking about balancing all the elements in life, rather than dividing work and life into separate categories?

I believe our souls naturally seek peace—that’s the foundation and purpose of our being. Yet, much of today’s work culture thrives on competition, ambition, and a relentless pace, leaving little room for nurturing the soul. While there are fleeting moments of satisfaction, gratitude, and contentment at work, our souls crave these feelings constantly. The disparity between what our soul seeks and what our work provides creates this so-called “work-life balance” issue. But our lives aren’t meant to be nourished only 50% of the time. We need to build a work ecosystem where our souls are replenished all the time.Why have we allowed work to become so fast-paced and competitive? Where are we rushing to?

After all, the most undeniable truth is that we will all die one day. If our existence is fleeting, why the madness, the stress, the constant pursuit? The concept of “taking time off” or needing a vacation seems fundamentally wrong. Shouldn’t we experience joy and fulfillment in our daily work, not just in the moments we escape from it?Work is part of life. It should bring contentment and joy, nurture our souls, and contribute to our personal evolution. When we take breaks, our bodies and minds should long to return to work—not as robots completing tasks but as humans cherishing the little moments that make work meaningful. Instead of constantly chasing bigger materialistic goals, work should foster peace, happiness, and a sense of collective security.

We need to shift the conversation from “work-life balance” to a more holistic view—balancing the different elements of life. Work is life too, and it should nourish our souls, not drain them.

Kshama