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Summary

The article emphasizes the importance and benefits of embracing moments of stillness and introspection in our fast-paced lives.

Abstract

In a world that glorifies constant activity and productivity, the concept of doing "nothing" is often undervalued. The article "The Art Of Doing 'Nothing'!" delves into the necessity of giving oneself the permission to pause and engage in self-reflection. It suggests that in the rush to keep up with life's breakneck speed, we overlook the significance of connecting with our inner selves. The author argues that this disconnection leads to internal conflicts and an inability to accept ourselves. By reclaiming the right to do "nothing," we can listen to our inner dialogues, achieve self-knowledge, and restore a sense of calm amidst the external noise. The article reminds us that the ability to be still and listen to our instincts is an innate art that we must remember and practice, much like the natural sounds of nature that are drowned out in urban environments.

Opinions

  • The author posits that modern society equates doing nothing with wasting time, often attaching guilt to moments of inactivity.
  • "Doing nothing" is rebranded as meditation, lunch siesta, or even laziness, to make it more palatable in a productivity-driven culture.
  • There is a stigma associated with inactivity, where people are assumed to be

The Art Of Doing “Nothing”!

So is it so difficult to do nothing? Life flows at the speed of light and we are urged to follow these crazy rhythms, counting days and hours till the next coveted weekend.

Photo by Jay Castor on Unsplash

When was the last time we gave ourselves the right to pause? I cannot even remember! Simply because “doing nothing is a waste of time”. Many of us have given a name to this “nothing”, that claims a place in our daily routine. We call it “meditation”, lunch siesta, or even laziness, with all the guilt feelings that accompany this determination.

Sitting down without doing anything is considered by many “a bad omen”. We are asked if we are upset or worried about something, or if we want to talk to someone to find solutions and take drastic measures.

It is noteworthy that we have deprived people around us, but above all is the right to do “nothing”; the right to connect with ourselves.

Many times we encounter the concept of “self-knowledge”, which essentially concerns the acquaintance with oneself and the listening of the internal dialogues that we carry out every day. We judge our thoughts, feelings, and behavior by looking at ourselves through the eyes of others.

But what happens when we do not listen to our inner dialogues, due to lack of free time? Internal conflicts arise and this fact proves that we are not able to accept ourselves and understand how this internal dialogue affects all aspects of our lives.

Photo by Faye Cornish on Unsplash

When we allow ourselves to do nothing, it is like listening to our inner voice, our instinct, that we have lost so much nowadays. It is like allowing a loved one to talk to us, to listen to his concerns and "wishes".

The art of “nothing” is not taught by any school, as well as there is no degree to confirm “how much” we possess. We have been carrying the art of “nothing” inside us for a long time.

Listening to our “inside” is an art we have known since we first set foot on this planet; the purpose is to remember. To remember how to listen to ourselves and how to trust them, to remember how to calm down all this noise that prevails in and around us. Remember that the birdsong and the clear water are not heard in big cities.

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