Sometimes, at the end of a workday, right after I shut down the computer and get up from the desk chair, my first thought is, “Now what do I have to do next?” It’s not because I really have tons of obligations. Rather, it seems to happen mainly on days when I don’t actually have much to do. Because modern society is so busy, a quiet evening without much to do feels a bit ominous, as if something must have been forgotten.
When that happened to me after work today, I considered whether there might really be something I needed to do, but very little came to mind other than writing this post and doing some gentle exercises with a soft foam roller. I had already worked out on the rowing machine during my midday break (16 intervals of 200 meters, which was plenty). I decided that just letting myself be aware of these feelings, and just breathing, would be enough entries on the to-do list for now.
Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”
Yes, just being still and letting ourselves breathe is important!! Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
It should always be on the to-do list!
Hi Meg, sometimes breathing is the best thing to do. I feel lost from time to time, it’s like we are not being productive. It’s always good to have a book at hand too. I have set up a goal of reading a certain number of books this year, so when I feel as I’m in an empty moment I get a book and read, and now I’m being productive towards my challenge.
Hi Elizabeth, we do need to challenge ourselves at times, but feeling obligated to be productive in every moment is too much. Finding that balance is the hard part. The mind needs occasional empty moments to wander, decompress, and make intuitive connections. When we were children, it was easy; we just went outside to play.