Little Time Offs

Summary

The article discusses the importance of taking short, frequent breaks throughout the day to acknowledge and sit with one's emotions without the need to solve or control them.

Abstract

The author of the article advocates for regular, brief interludes to engage with personal thoughts and feelings, particularly those that cause distress. These breaks are not about finding solutions or achieving specific emotional states but about accepting the presence of these feelings and allowing time to pass in their company. The author suggests that setting a timer and finding a distraction-free environment can be beneficial. The practice is likened to the wisdom of leaving muddy water undisturbed to clear, as well as Nietzsche's notion that adversity can lead to strength. The article emphasizes the value of simply being with one's emotions without interference, as a means to not only cope with them but potentially to gain resilience.

Opinions

The author believes that suppressing emotions can be detrimental, leading to physical symptoms like chest and shoulder pain.
It is expressed that there is value in not imposing rules or tricks on oneself during these breaks, and that the goal is not to achieve an ideal state of mind.
The author suggests that during these breaks, one can forget about the pressures of existence and the need to solve problems.
There is an opinion that interfering with this process of sitting with emotions is a waste of time.
The author implies that the practice of 'just sitting' with one's thoughts and feelings can be as beneficial as more active forms of engagement.
The article references Alan Watts and Friedrich Nietzsche, indicating the author's alignment with their philosophies on resilience and the natural course of self-clarification.

To let time pass without my effort

to take some time offs only little not too much — unless when luck strikes — but maybe frequently throughout the day whenever thought-feelings arise those bite me in the ass — actually in the chest — almost every single time when I finally give in to suppression; instead, a little time off to let time pass with those very thought-feelings; being okay with not knowing what to do with it; being okay with giving up any need to solve or control or impose rules or tricks; to simply sit and suck up all the energy behind those suppressed pain felt in my chest and shoulders; but not for any final results no ideal feelings to find just to let time pass; a timer might help also, I need to move my ass towards where I can sit without flinching into distractions; I can forget I even exist to solve anything at all during those little time offs; I can even forget time even exists for me to do anything during those little time offs; if I interfere one thing is sure it’s a waste of time; not that the lazy mind would just give away so easily for the benefit of the living organism; I can interfere and fuck up as much as I want after that little time off.

“Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.” — Alan Watts

“That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.” — Friedrich Nietzsche

Little Time Offs

To let time pass without my effort

Just Sitting

A limerick on a non-meditation

Peace In Forgetting

To forget is to have a good time no matter what