When was the last time you sat alone and did nothing?
No phone, TV, computer, nobody nearby to talk to, nothing but sit with your thoughts?
We rarely, if ever, give ourselves time to disconnect. We bounce around from one thing to the next.
The idea of sitting alone with our thoughts for most is cringeworthy. Who wants to do that? Who even has the time for it?
There’s always going to be a laundry list of excuses you can present to yourself on why you’re too busy to sit alone and do nothing. We love to convince ourselves that there’s always emergencies that must be dealt with, that our problems are the most important problems, etc.
Yet, when you give yourself some time away from everything to intentionally be bored, a rare and beautiful thing happens.
Peace can be found.
Give it a try (preferably outside) with the goal of not being hard on yourself regardless of the outcome.
At first your thoughts will consume you, jumping from cares and concerns to memories to planning.
This is completely normal, just let them run their course.
Watch as one thought or emotion is replaced with another just as quickly as it came about in the first place.
Each time you notice a new impression arise or take over your attention, try to simply become aware of it and bring your focus to your surroundings.
How your body feels in the moment, what noises you hear, use the senses to envelop yourself in the present moment.
Soon you’ll start to feel an inner sense of calm.
This enjoyable state is where you can let your mind and body relax and take a much needed break from the overstimulation of daily life.
As you practice this exercise, you’ll get more skilled at it over time.
The multitude of challenges you face will feel more manageable.
Stress and worry will be replaced with tranquility and clarity.
All from sitting alone and aiming to do nothing.
“Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing.” – Lao Tzu