Embrace the Art of Doing Nothing for Ultimate Self-Care
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Chapter 1: The Value of Stillness
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to be swept away by a whirlwind of responsibilities. Like many, I have filled my days with work, studies, relationships, and travel. As a parent of five, I balanced multiple part-time jobs while squeezing in writing whenever I could. Even in retirement, I find myself at the computer for hours, crafting words that resonate with me and a few others.
I often feel like a busy bee in a field of blooming lavender, constantly on the go. This relentless activity might stem from a fear that pausing will lead to a decline into insignificance. However, after exploring Rachel Jonat's insightful book, The Joy of Doing Nothing, I have decided to shift my approach to life.
Jonat emphasizes the importance of intentionally setting aside time to do nothing. She writes:
"As you make the choice to do nothing — for ten minutes, for an hour, for a whole afternoon — you are resisting the pervasive call to be constantly busy, overscheduled, and stressed. You are resting your brain and your body. You are making a conscious decision to put your well-being ahead of mental busyness."
It's time for me to embrace this notion. Ultimately, my frantic typing and endless busyness won’t leave a lasting impact on the world. Recognizing this truth is liberating; I realize my existence is not as critical as I once thought.
Section 1.1: The Wisdom of Zen
Alan Watts, in his book The Way of Zen, shares a Zenrin poem that resonates deeply with me:
"Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself."
This poem reminds us that we should occasionally pause and simply exist. Life will carry on, and nature will flourish without our incessant intervention.
Subsection 1.1.1: Finding Balance in Life
Despite societal teachings that equate busyness with productivity, there is immense value in doing nothing, whether for an afternoon, an hour, or even just ten minutes.
“There’s a time for every purpose under heaven. There’s a time to be busy and a time to refrain from busyness.”
So let us indulge in moments of quietude, free from worry, planning, or guilt. We can sit peacefully, allowing life to flow around us while we enjoy the simplicity of just being.
Chapter 2: The Ultimate Self-Care Practice
Discover how to prioritize self-care in your life with practical tips and strategies in this ultimate self-care guide.
Learn how to create a personalized self-care routine based on the eight pillars of self-care and develop a habit tracker to maintain your practices.
With love, Marlane