During my younger years, I thought I knew how to relax. Spending time with family or friends, going camping, waterskiing or fishing for the day, going away for a holiday or chilling watching TV were all things I loved to do and I have some very fond memories of these times. But over the years, I have come to realise that there is a whole other level of relaxing.
Many of us have forgotten how to just be. We are after all human beings not human doings. Being still and being comfortable with being still and doing nothing ‘productive’ I think is something that is learned or maybe relearned
After spending precious time caring for my new born granddaughter, it seems to me that we are born with the capacity to be still but we lose it as we age and are subjected to the belief that if you are doing nothing you are wasting time. If you are living mindlessly then I think that is not the best use of your time, but ultimately, as long as you learn from it, it is not wasted.
Being still and finding time to recuperate, reenergize and reset should be high on any priority list if you wish to live your best life.
After a stressful week, I try to find time to sit still and imagine myself in a bubble of calm. Outside my bubble, the world carries on, as it’s always done. People rushing around me, living, dying, suffering and laughing and that’s ok. I then carry my bubble around with me, only letting in matters and people I care the most about. Sometimes my bubble gets burst and people and things that should not be in, get in. That’s ok. I can gently push them out and repair my bubble with some more still time.
If doing nothing is too daunting to start with, try doing a jigsaw puzzle, colouring in, reading, playing a musical instrument or taking a walk. You are still doing something but if you do so mindfully, you will be teaching your mind to be focused and still. After or during these activities, stop and be physically still for a few moments and build on that.
Most importantly, never feel bad that you have wasted time doing nothing ‘productive’. And don’t underestimate the power of pyjama days. They are great, as long as you learn to do it without guilt.
In everything you do, be mindful.
Learn to Be Still
