Do Nothing
Hi friends,
Let me tell you about the time when I just started to work 9-5 (ish). Every single day, I would rush home at exactly my scheduled end time. I wanted to go home and “Do Nothing” as soon as possible. Nobody made me feel bad about this, but I still felt embarrassed. It didn’t seem like a very team-player move, as often there were still plenty of tasks scattered about. I especially zoned in on the fact that I didn’t have a seemingly more “noble” cause for leaving so timely.
This need to be productive constantly wasn't even my own idea, and I've recognized that a long time ago. But still I wanted to hold onto the image of looking productive while knowing how unhealthy that is. (It's not my value!) So now I'm broadcasting that not only is it okay to Do Nothing, but it is actually an act that honours thyself. Especially in a transitional time (such as a new job) To Do Nothing is to get realigned with oneself. It feels especially nourishing to do nothing in a time of chaos and giant-to-do lists. I was giving myself permission to be okay with it all, to believe that there will always be space for me no matter how busy life gets, and that's incredibly validating.
Now while I still go home pretty much always on time, I’m no longer in such an angry rush to “Do Nothing.” I guess I adjusted to the rhythm of the workplace and it all feels a little less overwhelming. However, "Do Nothing" is still an active part of my schedule because I love it so much! For me doing nothing is: No phones, no consuming information, no loud music, no other people, no stimulating foods, etc. It is anything that gets me into a meditative state without formally meditating. Now I think about it, maybe Doing Nothing is like a casual type of meditation...
Also, it's beautiful outside! Happy cherry blossom season!
🌸chu