One of my closest friends told me that she just can't stand doing nothing. It prompted me to write the following:

We are born knowing this art of doing nothing. You would never expect a baby to pop out and be productive. Their job is to just be and allow the amazing human body to grow its cells, breath in oxygen and learn to adapt to the world. They take in information all around them and learn to be like who ever they are surrounded with. You are still doing that really. Only now you probably think you need to DO something in order to be liked, loved and accepted. You probably place more importance on doing to achieve goals than on simply being. The art of doing nothing can be an active process of being, observing or resting. Doing nothing can be rejuvenating, inspirational and even necessary. There is never really nothing going on even when practicing this art of doing nothing.

So what is this doing nothing then if it is actually something? Well, let’s take the example of riding on a subway. Many people want to use the time productively so they read a book, listen to their ipod or perhaps work on their computer. If you would like to practice doing nothing for the ride you could simple be. You might notice the other passengers. You might notice your own breathing and thoughts. You might find yourself making up stories in your mind or creating a project that you could do later. Or you might just simple be and enjoy the ride. All are fine options and less conscious doing while riding that subway just might create the condensed energy to launch something new for you.

The art of doing nothing can also simple be some time off that you allow yourself nothing time. Time for laying in the sun for example. It might be coupled with playing paddle ball, or sitting on a boat but there is no goal other than just allowing yourself to be right where you are. Many of the worlds greatest minds took some time out of their day for nothingness. They sat and watched the thoughts and allowed room for some new ideas.

While doing things is fun and creates and shapes ones life. A little do nothing time can be quite healing. You don’t need to wait to be sick to take a little time out. If you have been doing quite a lot for a long time or find it uncomfortable to simple be once in a while, you might find it fun to practice doing nothing just to see what could happen. Doing nothing in nature can be particularly refreshing; plan a picnic or a nice long walk for yourself or sit in your favorite chair. The Universe is always there just for you.