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.
My friend Coby dragged me to this new age wacko breathing workshop years ago. At the time, I thought it was such a waste of time and money...but it taught me to stop periodically throughout the day and breathe. I still do it and I think it helps me maintain some semblance of sanity. I'll join your movement.
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ReplyDeleteI like your counter-movement idea... in fact I may be a professional at it. I am waaaaayyyyy too good at sitting still, and that's not a good thing for me. Sometimes doing nothing and thinking too much can be just as bad as the opposite. But I love that you're searching for that balance. Way to BE! :)
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