Doing Nothing

Doing nothing is an almost heretical act in a world that seems to worship at the altar of busyness. I remain something of an sceptic and as such I think it advisable to have fallow spaces in our life for doing very little. When we have time to experience the nourishing quiet of solitude, we notice more easily how life expresses itself in us. We are granted an opportunity to become less oblivious making us more reliable and accurate communicators of the contents of our hearts and minds, especially when it comes to using this intelligence for orienting ourselves to a more subtle, attuned way of being in the world. Enter the arts of meditation and contemplation.

Meditation is a practice we undertake supported by openness, compassion and a commitment to suspending judgement––meaning we set aside what we think we already know about ourselves and the rest of the world, which is not an easy task after being conditioned to defensively react with judgements of one kind or another to almost everything. This simple suspension makes room for emptiness and an ultimately welcome (if humbling) acquaintance with one’s own ignorance. This can sometimes be challenging, as crucibles are wont to be, or very calm and tranquil like a light summer wind on a very warm day. It’s essentially a voluntary attunement to one’s inner life and relationship to the world that can invoke a stronger sense of belonging, ease, and quiet joy.

Contemplative practices, in my experience, are a very natural, intuitive approach for deepening the way we relate to ourselves and the world around us, softening our edges, expanding our sense of relatedness and fortifying our capacity for kindness. Solitude and quiet are essential. It is important to note, however, that this doesn’t always have to mean sitting still for long periods of time, though I often do. One’s own contemplative practice could include journaling, painting, walking, crocheting, sketching, or gardening.

Which is to say, more open, steady states of mind can be experienced via any number of activities. Sitting quietly is an obvious choice as there are fewer outside distractions, but the central idea of all this is to inhabit the way one practices in a manner that fosters ease and gentle reflection. A sense of renewal emerges within such quiet and solitude.

Even if for five minutes, give yourself permission to be, and let things be.

Love and courage.