This is one of the hardest things I have learned. At least in my case, this became easier to do as I have grown older. It used to be so important to get "enough" accomplished every day! My father thought reading was a waste of time, my mother would come home and say "is that all you got done?" I internalized this and still have time ignoring those voices. My adult children have been telling me for years that I don't have to jump up every commercial to get something done, but I have such a hard time "doing nothing".
Lately I have begun to seriously question "what is doing nothing?" Age & healthy have had a role in this, I have to take better care of myself and let some things go, as hard as it is. Money is tight for us (as for so many) but I still go for a massage or a facial when I need to take some me time. I am still spending money and time on creating my art. My sister says "why? no one is buying art in this economy". I don't care, I find it brings joy to me when I share my art whether people buy or not. When someone delights in learning about the process it doesn't matter if they buy or not, learning, sharing are never a waste of time. Spending time outside, reading, or resting (in spite of the fact the yard needs work) is not a waste of time! Art is not a waste of time! Anything that brings joy or respite to anyone (myself included) is not a waste of time!! Instead, it is time well spent.
How’s your own self-compassion? I ebb and flow. Some days, self-compassion comes easy to me, and other days, not so much. But when I become aware of the opportunity to express an act of kindness to myself via self-compassion, the tender gentleness ALWAYS shifts my experience to that of something lighter and more manageable.
What’s your go to strategy for managing these stressful times? Meditation. A LOT of meditation. These days, I've gone from meditating just once in the morning before I get my day started to meditating three times a day. It has definitely helped to keep me connected with mindfulness and presence instead of zipping off to the future or past.
What a thoughtful response, Terri! And it's such a good point that having that awareness matters ... it's easy to forget that we do have a choice to practice self-compassion (and that doing so helps us feel better).
I am a lousy meditator ... but your comments are inspiring. Maybe this should be on my to do list!
This is one of the hardest things I have learned. At least in my case, this became easier to do as I have grown older. It used to be so important to get "enough" accomplished every day! My father thought reading was a waste of time, my mother would come home and say "is that all you got done?" I internalized this and still have time ignoring those voices. My adult children have been telling me for years that I don't have to jump up every commercial to get something done, but I have such a hard time "doing nothing".
Lately I have begun to seriously question "what is doing nothing?" Age & healthy have had a role in this, I have to take better care of myself and let some things go, as hard as it is. Money is tight for us (as for so many) but I still go for a massage or a facial when I need to take some me time. I am still spending money and time on creating my art. My sister says "why? no one is buying art in this economy". I don't care, I find it brings joy to me when I share my art whether people buy or not. When someone delights in learning about the process it doesn't matter if they buy or not, learning, sharing are never a waste of time. Spending time outside, reading, or resting (in spite of the fact the yard needs work) is not a waste of time! Art is not a waste of time! Anything that brings joy or respite to anyone (myself included) is not a waste of time!! Instead, it is time well spent.
I love this response, Kathy - about intentionally finding joy and how that in and of itself is time well spent! Thank you!
I love that question, Kathy! What is doing nothing? You've given me something to contemplate this week. :)
Kathy, I am 83 years old and I still “hear” my mother’s voice telling me to get busy!
How’s your own self-compassion? I ebb and flow. Some days, self-compassion comes easy to me, and other days, not so much. But when I become aware of the opportunity to express an act of kindness to myself via self-compassion, the tender gentleness ALWAYS shifts my experience to that of something lighter and more manageable.
What’s your go to strategy for managing these stressful times? Meditation. A LOT of meditation. These days, I've gone from meditating just once in the morning before I get my day started to meditating three times a day. It has definitely helped to keep me connected with mindfulness and presence instead of zipping off to the future or past.
What a thoughtful response, Terri! And it's such a good point that having that awareness matters ... it's easy to forget that we do have a choice to practice self-compassion (and that doing so helps us feel better).
I am a lousy meditator ... but your comments are inspiring. Maybe this should be on my to do list!
Excellent. Thank you
I hope it's helpful!