The Art Of Doing Less

by

If truth be told, I take yoga because it knocks me out like a drug. No matter how much I have on my plate, I still take class. Afterward, I sit on my couch and watch the light patterns on my carpet. I may even curl up on the couch and sleep.

This zoned out state used to frustrate me. Now I see the resulting fatigue and inactivity as a gift. It means that a fair amount of stress was bound within me. When the stress releases I realize just how tired I am when not masking my energy levels with adrenaline, caffeine, and will power.

For a responsible person like me, consciously slowing down feels like a cardinal sin. But it’s a sin I must commit.

In a world that demands more and more of us, it takes discipline to do less. Yet we must do less, if we want more quality moments in our lives.

In his book, Dying For A Paycheck Jeffrey Pfeffer contends that modern management practices are killing us. Whether we work for a company, for ourselves, or run a business, the current climate impacts everyone. Long hours, work-family conflict, and economic insecurity are driving people to sacrifice health and relationships. Couple this with the fact that technology keeps us connected 24/7 unless we consciously disengage, and it’s no wonder we’re all frazzled, popping pills, or pooped. Who has time for family, or dating, or hobbies, or health? We’re expected to do more for less and technological developments move faster than we can keep pace with. No matter the specifics of your situation, the current climate is exhausting.

So what can you do to maintain your health and sanity in a world that spins faster and faster off its axis? Here are some suggestions:

  • Develop a yoga practice or mindfulness based meditation routine
  • Exercise regularly
  • Turn the phone and computer off at least a few hours before bed
  • Get outside every day for a walk
  • Pet an animal
  • Spend time with a young person
  • Stare at your navel
  • Take a break from the social media noise
  • Accept that you are enough and that your efforts are enough
  • Trust God, the universe, or some kind stranger to catch you, if the sky caves in
  • Know that you will catch yourself, if the sky caves in
  • Know that the world somehow always goes on
  • Look up at the sky; it’s beautiful
  • Bake cookies and share them with the neighbors
  • Breathe

You will be surprised at how much better you feel. Not only that, you might find yourself more productive after not doing much of anything at all. You and your health are worth it!

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Source: Lise’s Letters
The Art Of Doing Less