Down Time—Relax And Enjoy It!
A few weeks ago, I had one of those “freak” accidents happen to me. I miss-stepped and fell down some stairs rolling my ankle and spraining it in 3 different places. While it could have been a lot worse, I have had a hard time dealing with it, as I am the type of person that is always on the go and very active. I know that everything happens for a reason, but am not sure here. Maybe I am just supposed to slow down! Probably not a bad idea after recently becoming an “empty nester,” and a recent move.
It’s funny, we are a nation of workaholics, many of which have a hard time sitting still. According to “Be More Bored,” an article found in the October 2008 issue of Body + Soul magazine, “As much as we try and crowd it out, experts tell us that boredom is an essential part of the human experience. It’s counterbalance to all that busyness. In fact, some argue it’s a gateway to peace.”
I don’t know about you, but I’m going to give this “down time thing” more of a try, (at least while my foot heals.)
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Following are the Top 3 reasons we seem to be down on downtime along with ways to embrace it from the article:
- We’re Overstimulated: The empty pockets of time we once took for granted, such as waiting patiently and quietly in a doctor’s office have vanished. Many doctor’s offices today have TV’s to stimulate us. Cell phones, BlackBerry’s, ipods, computers, etc. are also common place. People can be seen virtually everywhere using them. This overstimulation however, can actually keep us from responding with depth to anything, or anyone. To avoid overstimulation, and recharge yourself it is important to just sit quietly from time to time. Turn off that TV, go for walk in nature, etc.
- We Believe Productivity Is A Virtue: Many people use To-Do lists because they help promote a sense of productivity and accomplishment, and affirm how busy we are. Using To-Do lists to fill up every empty space in our lives however, can be counter-productive. Everyone needs some time to reflect and think. This time can actually help the mind come up with new ideas. Try and schedule a block of time to do absolutely nothing. You might be surprised and pick up a paint brush, or have a few laughs with your family, etc.
- We Fear What Lies Beneath: “Many of live in a comfortably numb place. Space gives hidden feelings a chance to emerge.” When these feeling arise, we can actually deal with them and move ahead. (i.e. Discovering it is time to check those want ads for a new job, etc.)
Posted in Uncategorized on September 25th, 2008 by Barb | | 2 Comments
on September 25th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
It is never fun spraining or breaking an ankle so I hope you feel better real soon. About a year ago my wife Flo was walking down our basement stairs and hit her head against a structural beam (and let me acknowledge that the beam has been there for 22 years). While tumbling down the stairs her ankle fell in between the spindles and she broke her ankle along with shattering 8-10 spindles as she fell. It gets worse, when she fell to the landing at the bottom of the stairs our youngest son Damien was opening the service door from the garage and split Flo’s head open that required 12 stitches. Now, everything is fine. No accidents just in the process of moving to a retirement home in South St. Paul. We’ve lived in the same home for 22 years and now its time for a change. I’ve been reading your blog for 6 months now and we appreciate your dedication to the industry. My wife just loves the recipes. Keep up the unbelievable work.
Flo and Dick
So. St. Paul, Mn.
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on September 25th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Dick:
Wow! My sprains seem like nothing in comparison to what your wife went through. I am glad she came out of it all ok. I appreciate your comments and glad you enjoy the blog and the recipes.
Thanks!
Barb
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