The other day I came home from running a couple of errands and realized that I had absolutely nothing to do. I checked the calendar twice, all was clear. I did not have attachments to plans, I had no work around the house to do, and I was not feeling the desire to create any project that could be done around the house either. The laundry was completed, which felt great, considering there is always a bag of sheets to wash when you are a massage therapist. And I usually have my four year old daughter running around, playing, and chatting…but on this day, she happened to be away with her dad. Even my roommate (my beloved sister) was gone for the day, into the evening and not returning until the morning.
The house stood still. It was extremely quiet. I sat on the couch and kicked up my feet and thought of what I could do with this rare day in time. “I am going to do nothing,” I thought to myself. No phone calls, no other people involved just me and my aloneness. Simply the idea of this was exquisite. I could not wait to put this idea into action…or no action to be precise. A smile crept onto my face so nonchalantly, but I was pumped inside for this “nothingness” kind of day! I felt so free! I literally laid there smiling for a bit and then relaxed my face muscles too and then closed my eyes. This was just wonderful.
For everyone taking the time to read this, I understand finding this kind of time can be almost impossible for some. It is so easy for our days to become routine. Many of us can be guilty of this. In fact, it can feel easier that way. Schedules are a way to help one feel less frazzeled. So, we just set it up and continue on with life and our “schedules”, doing the necessary things and take less time for ourselves. Time goes by so quickly this way. I force myself to change things up if this starts to happen to me. Otherwise, I become unhappy and personally I know that this kind of unhappiness can build up stress. To sum things up, this all tinkers down to the suggestion of trying out a day of nothingness. If a day sounds unfathomable, then at least give yourself a start with ten to fifteen minutes…a couple times a week would be great. Every day would be better.
Here are some tips to make things easier for you. These tips work for me and conjuring up some of your own isn’t a bad idea either….
- Please turn off the ringer to your phone. An even nicer option is to turn it off all together.
- Find a quiet and comforting place. Is there a room in your home that simply feels calmer than the rest? If not, why not make that happen?
- Light a candle, maybe dim the lights. If sunlight is what you like, pick a spot outdoors where distractions are only peaceful ones. If indoors, find a nice area where the sun shines in and you can feel the sun’s heat on your body. It can definitely aid in melting your stresses away.
- Take your mind off of past issues and future obligations. Just be where you are and bask in this thought. ( If you are truly dedicated to this process, it can be pretty simple).
- I really like the idea of focusing on your breathing first. Breathe in slowly and feel your stomach rise. Breathe out and be aware of the breath passing through your lips into the environment that surrounds you. The exhale always feels so cleansing to me. Do this more than a few times and truly focus. This is such a great start to doing nothing. I promise.
- Okay now, just lie there and relax. And remember if the mind wanders to negative and distracting thoughts, which is common, take yourself back to the focus on breathing and think how your body, your mind, and your spirit need this from time to time. Be appreciative of yourself for doing nothing.