Do Nothing

Making a conscious effort to do literally nothing is harder than it sounds.

Today's culture prizes being busy and has us filling every bit of time with something. Even our downtime gets filled with tasks or activities, relaxing though they may be.

Maybe there's something about feeling like we need to do something, anything to feel like we're really here at all. It's as if we feel like if we weren't doing something it would be the same as not existing.

But I don't think that's true. Think of meditation. For those of us who don't meditate regularly, it can seem very strange to simply sit around and breathe. I breathe anyway. Why not clean the kitchen or at least doomscroll while I'm at it?

I'm starting an experiment tomorrow; I'm going to sit and do nothing for 5 minutes every morning. The actual time of day doesn't matter. Nor does the length of time, though I suspect this will lengthen as I continue to do it.

I'm not going to post my progress on social media. I'm not going to tell my wife, family, friends, coworkers or anyone else know I'm doing this. I'm not looking for feedback, help, or opinions.

But I will come post an update after a significant while, to share my findings.

My suspicion is that I will feel improved awareness, memory, happiness, relaxation, etc.

Here goes nothing.