I just wrapped up my assignment for the blogging book club, The Next Chapter. We're discussing the book, The Joy Diet by Martha Beck.
The first chapter involves doing nothing. It sounds so simple, doesn't it? Truth be told, it is actually a rather difficult task to spend 15 minutes completely alone with my thoughts. I mentioned last week that I actually started reading this book several weeks back and stopped after a couple chapters so I could fully participate when the book club started.
The first time I attempted nothingness, it was very uncomfortable. I've spoken before of this guilty feeling I typically get being alone and not doing something. 15 minutes of peace and quiet made my mind race with thoughts of the things I should've been doing--from answering emails to going to the post office to fixing a broken wheel on a toy car to doing the dishes. I wanted to jump out of my skin the first couple times because sitting alone with my thoughts felt unbearable.
In reality, it really was a blessing because when I forced myself to sit down and just be, it allowed me to take a deep look within myself and feel my thoughts. Feeling thoughts sounds silly, but I was able to feel in my heart what my gut was screaming out for me to do: "Listen to me! I am trying to tell you something. You are not doing what you want to do! Stop ignoring your intuition!"
After a couple chapters, I put the book down but took with me what I learned from doing nothing.
This past week of doing nothing was much difference. You see, I finally listened to my gut. I made a major life-altering decision a few weeks ago to close my popular business. I've been told by a few people that it was a "stupid" decision. Others, those who truly get it, have been much more supportive. Quite simply, I wasn't loving it anymore. I was tapped out. Drained. Left without time or energy. Unable to devote my complete attention to those most precious joys in my life: my husband and my beautiful boys.
This time around of doing nothing, I have actually been able to carve out 15 minutes per day without guilt to simply do nothing. I still have a difficult time with sitting still and just being lost within myself, but I can do it very easily and comfortably sitting in my rocking chair. The rhythmic motion of rocking allows me to do something while doing nothing. I have been able to be more mindful with my day to day activities.
During my "nothing" time, I have been relaxed enough to focus on my breathing, to enjoy the sounds and smells in the distance, whether it be the crickets or a gentle breeze blowing the flag out front. I can appreciate those simple scents and sounds I once was too busy to notice. These things of beauty in my environment are the background music to the lyrics in my soul.
I have enjoyed my time of nothing and commit to doing this each day. "Nothing" time has meant something to me, as it reaffirms to me that it is OK to follow my heart, to take a leap...
The first time I opened this book, I rolled my eyes at the thought of something as "trivial" as doing nothing. I was wrong, of course. I think I was afraid at the time of what I might think and feel if I truly sat and did nothing. It was actually one of the best things I've done for myself in a long time, though.
I look forward to discussing Chapter 2 about truth next week and am eager to read everyone else's posts this week.
15 comments:
This is really quite powerful Karley. The fact that you were uncomfortable the first time you tried "nothing" and knew that you were trying to tell yourself something. Most of the time that means the something we don't want to know or hear is something we really "know" but would like to avoid because we haven't figured out the "why" or what to do.
I'm glad that that exercise has taught you to listen to your inner voice and pay attention to yourself. The only person who really knows "us" is "us".
Best of luck as you move forward from this life changing decision. You sound very much at peace with it and after all, that's what really matters, isn't it?
i am so happy to see that in your decision to listen to your gut and do nothing has brought you so much joy. you are one amazing lady!
It is always the smallest things which make the biggest difference. But there must be some internal squirrel that wants us convinced otherwise.
it is great to hear the difference between your experience with nothing then & now. i am hope i am able to see the same change in myself as i grow into my practice of nothing. thank you for sharing!
It is very brave of you to listen deeply to yourself and give up a successful shop. Congratulations to listening and on carving out more time for nothing!
I am sending you a BIG, GIGANTIC hug!
I can completely relate. After starting a successful yoga studio that the community embraced on levels I never imagined, I found my "gut" telling me that I needed to get out. I was being pulled into a million different directions and received conflicting advice. However, I listened to the little voice inside of me and sold the studio to another fabulous woman. While it was difficult, it has turned out to be the best decision that I have made for Pink Heels. I can now focus on the aspects of PH that are more demanding while being a guest at my old studio!
I never doubt my gut instinct anymore!
I love the idea of the rocking chair. Soothing like the waves.
I wish you well on your next journey in your life.
I relate totally to what you just wrote. It is so hard to sit and be. My head always goes to the thoughts I have running around in my head, so I have to stop and get back on track. It's like getting into the habit of performing a new task. I almost have to train my brain to get clear. It's like mental health training!
Thanks for sharing your experience of nothing with such honesty. You have enormous courage... congratulations on bursting through what no longer serves you, and embracing what gives you joy!
i am so loving hearing about your journey to listening to your instinct and taking time for you - that "nothing" stuff sure is something, isn't it?
Good for you to come back to something that left you uncomfortable the first time - and for making hard decisions that seem to be life affirming in the long run! It is hard when some around you tell you how wrong you are - that's when it's so important to have others who are supportive.
Have a good week with truth!
Nice post! I like your rocking chair idea. I find your listening to your intuition courageous and inspiring, and hope to tune into that more in my own life.
What a lovely process to doing nothing. I'm so glad it's going better for you now. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful journey.
Wonderful post. It is amazing how doing NOTHING ... those 15 minutes (or more) refresh our minds, bodies, souls. We can *see* much more clearly. Joy to You in finding NOTHING!
Amazing post about the power of nothing. It shows great courage that you were able to listen to your gut and go with it.
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