I’ve done little over the last few days.
Getting COVID just after Thanksgiving saw to that.
My wife got it too. And our friend Joe, who spent Thanksgiving with us.
Despite being fully vaccinated and boosted, we’ve all been sicker in the last few days than we’ve been in almost a decade.
Thankfully, we’re all on the mend now but it’s been a rough few days.
Which got me thinking.
Why do we spend so much time being busy?
I don’t know about you but I’m worn out!
All this working for a living and adulting stuff is a lot of work!
It’s no wonder we’re all overwhelmed and burned out.
It seems to me that the art of chilling out, of doing nothing—the simple act of sitting around, gazing out of the window—THE ACT OF DOING NOTHING, has been forgotten.
And yet, it’s often during these idle times that we discover the true value of relaxation and introspection.
I don’t know about you but being constantly bombarded by notifications, deadlines, and the never-ending hustle and bustle has been getting to me of late. It's as if there's a relentless race to stay ahead, to be productive, and to always be on the move.
It’s wearing.
True, while productivity and ambition are all quite commendable, the relentless pursuit of constant activity can and do mess with our physical and mental well-being.
So right here and now, I’m reminding you of the importance of taking time for yourself; time in which you do jack shit. No work. No chores. No errands. No TV or email or social media. NOTHING!
Taking a break, even if it’s only for a short while, does SO MUCH to help us recharge our minds and bodies.
The strange thing is, when we give ourselves permission to be idle, we allow our minds to wander and our thoughts to flow freely—and it’s at THIS POINT that we’re often at our most creative.
One of the most effective ways to practice the art of doing nothing is to simply sit around and gaze out of the window.
You think I’m kidding?
I’m not kidding.
When we do this, when we take the radical step of putting down our cell hones ans stepping away form our laptops, tablets, and desktops, we're not just staring at the world outside. No. We’re also looking within ourselves.
I know. That sounds totally woo-woo.
But indulge me.
This seemingly passive act can lead to profound moments of self-reflection, inspiration, and peace.
Gazing out of the window offers the perfect backdrop for reflection, introspection, and thinking—just letting our noggins wander off down the beach of life … untethered.
So to speak.
As we watch the world go by, we can think about our dreams, about our fears, and about our plans and aspirations. Sitting there, doing nothing becomes the quiet space we need in which to contemplate the past, present, and future.
As busy as we get with all the stuff we shoehorn into our lives we must NOT forget the intrinsic value of chilling out, of doing nothing, of of simply and sitting around while gazing out of the window.
These moments of stillness are not wasteful or unproductive; they are essential for our well-being and creativity.
Embracing the art of doing nothing is not a sign of laziness but a path to self-discovery, relaxation, and a deeper connection with the world around us.
So, at some point this week, take a moment for yourself, find a comfy place to sit by the window, turn off your phone, and simply let your mind wander.
You never know.
You might be amazed at the value you discover in the simplicity of doing nothing.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Marketing lessons from The Great British Baking Show