In this time of recalibrating, maybe especially now, I recognize the need for self-prescribed self-care. This includes doing what I love to do as much as possible: writing and making art, making wellbeing a priority, getting healthy again, eating well, resting. I’m learning to do this in community with like-minded souls. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey. One that invites me to do more.
After I left my job in August, I wondered, let’s face it, I worried about a lot of things including how I’d spend my time. But my calendar has been full and I’ve been busier now than ever before. And so, because of so much “doing,” I penciled into my hard-copy calendar a “Do Nothing Day.”
I offer to you, dear reader, who might have days or months or years of overbooking yourself, if not a “Do Nothing Day,” then a “Do Nothing Moment.”
You deserve this “Do Nothing Moment.”
Position yourself so you can see the sky. Maybe the wide-open sky from your porch or the sliver of sky that you see above the the tall buildings outside your window.
When you’ve found your place, lie back on your couch, on your bed, or down on the floor. Maybe on top of a heating pad if you have one handy. If you don’t, don’t worry.
Prop a pillow or two under your knees. Use a pillow under your head. Or not. Whatever is right for you right now. Get very comfy. Cover yourself in blankets, weighty ones that make you feel calm. Warm. But not ones that make you feel too hot. Maybe put an extra one on your stomach so you feel held.
After you’re comfy-cozy, set your timer for twenty minutes. Yes, I know, that sounds like forever, but you do lots of things for twenty minutes, like scrolling, straightening your desk, looking for your glasses or your favorite pen. I offer that today, you might do this instead: set your timer for twenty minutes and lie back and stare at the sky.
Breathe long, deep belly breaths.
Thoughts will come. Let them. You’ll remember your dreams from last night and want to write them down. You’ll think about adding laundry detergent to your shopping list. You’ll contemplate your longings, regrets, and plans for the future. Let the thoughts come without judgement. And like the clouds, let them pass.
Watch the clouds. Get bored like you did as a kid that summer at your grandmother’s house when it never stopped raining before you knew there was a cedar chest full of dolls in the upstairs bedroom.
Recognize when you want to fidget. But instead of fidgeting, stay. Watch the clouds. Be patient and kind to yourself. Rest more deeply. Press your back into the surface and let it breathe you into the ground.
The sky will change. Observe it. Rest.
When the timer goes off, stay for a moment longer. Thank yourself for resting. You deserve it.
Then move slowly into the rest of your day.
Here’s to delicious moments!
Warmly,
Tiffany