THE ABSENCE OF DOING

I was prompted to write about this subject after a friend of mine felt remorseful for engaging in some much-needed self-care.

That old adage “You can’t take care of anyone else unless you take care of yourself first” resonates even more so in this time of 24/7 accessibility. The urgency to get everything on the perpetual to do list checked off immediately is ingrained in our psyche leaving many feeling depleted of energy. The ability to cope without bountiful quantities of caffeine, energy drinks or other equally unhealthy choices abounds.

With this expectation of immediate results comes working harder, faster on less sleep or little sleep, disconnection from family, friends, loved ones, more stress, fatigue and irritability. There doesn’t seem to be any time for meaningful interaction, fun, travel, activities, fitness, healthy eating or creativity.

But the irony is you need time to just stop, be still, do nothing… Recharge in order to be more productive, de-stress, laugh, feel joy as well as be happy in your own skin and relationships. By removing the doing on a regular basis, even for mere minutes, you will feel refreshed with positivity energy eager to take on all those hectic parts of your life.

Sit quietly next to a tree (barefoot would be great), cuddle with your kids/partner/pet/professional cuddler, breathe in and out deeply for 5 minutes, meditate, float in a stream/pool/isolation tank, people watch, take a nap, sip some hot tea with lemon, have a massage, chakra balancing, reflexology, Yoga Nidra, listen to singing bowls, sit at the beach watching the waves, go to the mountains, vineyard, museum, art show, sit in a field or by a river. The options of engaging in nothingness are vast.

Now stop reading and do nothing…. OHMMMMMMMMMMMMM. You’re welcome!