The Art of Doing Nothing

As my visit at home comes to a close (we leave tomorrow...sigh), I can't help but begin to reflect on the trip. What have I learned--or been reminded of during this trip? Oh, just the amazingness of doing nothing. It is divine.

Am I becoming redundant when it comes to my blog post topics? If so, I apologize, as I may be a slow learner when it comes to slowing down, but either way, I'm going to discuss this topic once more, because it's just that important to me...

Sure, the first two days of this trip home were jam-packed (as usual) with caterer tastings, a haircut, family parties, yoga classes, and holiday errands, but luckily, the last two have been completely relaxing. As I mentioned yesterday, I spent ALL DAY yesterday in my pajamas. No kidding--all day. Last night I just got back into bed in the same clothes that I had worn the night before. Incredible. I need to have more days like this in my life. It felt healing to completely let go, to lie by the fire eating Clementines, to play the game "Hearts" for about 3 hours with my family, and then watch a movie, without even thinking about it or thinking about what I "should" be getting done.

As a group, my family has spent 6+ hours playing games over the past few days (Hearts, Bananagrams and Balderdash--so fun!) we've eaten (NONSTOP), and we've slept--a lot. I took my first nap--in what feels like years--during this trip, and I've spent quality time just talking and visiting with loved ones. I feel full of home and family and holiday warmth, and am completely recharged and ready to head back into the last few days of the year--and into 2012--with a clear, relaxed mindset.

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One of my Mom's Banagrams boards

One of my new resolutions for the new year? Have a "pajama day" at least once every 2-3 months. Yes, this means a day that I don't need to do anything and don't ever leave the house. A day where I sleep in without an alarm, don't ever change out of my PJs, and don't ever open my computer, or check my phone, or do anything that doesn't feel like what I really want to be doing. Doesn't that sound nice? My time at home has reminded me how necessary these types of days can be, and how rejuvenating just 12 hours of nothing can be.

Don't have the luxury to take a PJ day every 2-3 months (why not???)? Here's a place to start--a website called "Do Nothing for 2 Minutes." Go to this site, and just listen to the waves and do nothing. The fun part about it? It tells you if you fail ;) Try it out!

Another way to mix a "do nothing" day into your schedule? Do it on January 1st! Start 2012 off with complete relaxation. And let me get something clear--"do nothing" doesn't mean that you really do nothing, it means that you turn off your "must-dos" and your technological distractions, and you listen to what your body wants to do. Maybe that will be going on a walk or run, then a long bath and a nap. Or maybe that means lying on the couch all day reading, or maybe doing yoga or playing a card game. Whatever you don't normally make time for or allow yourself to do, do it. Or do nothing. Whatever suits you!

Now I'm off to enjoy my last 16 hours with my family. And to climb back into my pajamas for my remaining time at home ;)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

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