Can You Do Nothing?

November 1st, 2009

“Doing nothing is an art, and like all art you need to practice it to reach your highest potential.”
-Ken Abrams Newsletter, via @GoodVibeCoach

When I saw this today, it really resonated with me. Doing nothing is not the way I usually operate. The rules of alignment tell us action, for the sake of action, is not a very good way to manifest anything. Yet, I still ask myself “What should I do now?” Even when I decide I’m not working towards any goals now, I consider doing: meditating, putting myself in the feeling place of a goal, feeling my feelings, listening to music, calling someone… but these aren’t “doing nothing”. In fact, I’m failing in my attempt at doing nothing right now by deciding to share this!

It’s uncomfortable to NOT be doing something. However, when you act from that uncomfortableness, it won’t really help you towards what you want to achieve. When you relax (really relax, not stop and say: OK, I should relax so I can act), you get inspired to act. THOSE actions pack a whallop and are fun and effortless!

Instead of ask what you should do, can you just STOP? (pause.)

Oh, not just the actions though. Also what you are thinking about. Can you be still, and just do nothing and think nothing? (pause. chirp, chirp.)

So try this – make an effort to do nothing. Sound funny? Yeah, but give it a try. Let me know how it goes!

For me, this is something that takes practice. So I’ll post this and get back to practicing!