What do you do when you have a spare moment? I mean, exactly one or two moments. I tend to immediately grab my phone and check for a new text message. If my phone isn't handy, I focus on pushing my cuticles down.
I was helping my son with homework the other day when he stood up to get something from another room. He asked me to wait, so I remained seated. My instinct was to hop up and find something to occupy my hands, even for those 45 seconds, because they shouldn't be wasted. But I didn't. I paused, stilled my hands, and looked out the window. One moment of repose. It was lovely. My mind was clear when my son returned and we were able to resume his homework. That started me thinking...why I am so uncomfortable sitting still?
It's not just me. Look around next time you are in public. Do you see anyone just sitting? My personal theory is that to be completely still is to appear unimportant or lazy. We place a great premium these days on being productive, efficient, and in high-demand.
I have decided to start a counter-movement: who can be the most relaxed, unattached, and idle? Take a moment and just...
be.
