The Disappearing Art of Doing Nothing

We all have things we enjoy doing. I love writing, watching movies, reading, and watching some sports. I love talking, walking, dining out, and even shopping, here and there.  When I run into people often the first thing they ask is some variation of 'What have you been doing?' Perfectly valid question that can lead to fine conversation. I ask it myself and get responses ranging from just working to watching TV to playing with the kids. All great answers and all certainly things worth doing.

I have noticed, however, that I rarely hear someone answer, "oh, nothing," and when I do, that person usually seems a might sheepish, as if doing nothing is a source of embarrassment. No one should be embarrassed to admit that they are doing nothing, unless that's always their answer.

Actually doing nothing is a fine art and, I am afraid it is becoming a lost art. Now, by doing nothing, I do not mean sitting watching TV or playing video games. If that is what you are doing then you are, indeed, doing something. I am talking about a completely passive activity wherein you just turn your mind off, find a relaxed posture and let the world come to you. I don't mean sleep, although, during the course of doing nothing you may doze off.

Just sit, or stretch out, or stand, if that is comfortable, and let your attention wander where it will. Don't try to focus your attention, just let it be drawn where it will. You will be surprised at the little bits of beauty and interest you normally miss. And, doing nothing is not necessarily a visual thing. Allow all of your senses to engage. I have a poor sense of smell, but, even I can catch a captivating scent every now and then ( I sometimes wish, that just for a little while, I could, like a dog, experience the world through smell) Sounds may grab your attention and, if you let them, the mix of voices and traffic and birds machines, will blend into a grand, though unusual, symphony. Here and there, I have spent long periods just enjoying the way the sun and the wind feel on my skin.

I grew up around people who were the first generation to have TV and they were not captured by it. Thus, we often spent hours sitting outside. Sometimes, we would talk, or drink, or play games, but often, we simply sat. It was wonderful, sort of an informal meditation. Personally, I find informal meditations much more fruitful than formal types. But, alas, I fear that doing nothing is becoming a lost art. Well, after I do a few things, I believe I may just spend a few minutes or so, trying to keep that art alive