Social media is abuzz with ideas about how to maximize this unique time at home. ‘How to keep from getting bored! How to stay busy! How to be productive, accomplish and do do do!’ While we appreciate the ideas and inspiration, is it possible that what some of us really need at this time is to let the calm and quiet sink in?
We lit up when this poem by writer and trauma coach, Emma Zeck, appeared everywhere on Instagram last week. While we hope this solitude doesn’t last for long and anguish with those who are deeply struggling at this time, we found this meditation on the value of resting — of just being — deeply moving.
With this open time
You do not have to write the next great best selling novel
You do not have to get in the best shape of your life
You do not have to start that podcast
What you can do instead is observe this pause as an opportunity
The same systems we see crumbling in society
Are being called to crumble in each of us individually
The systems that taught us we are machines
That live to produce & we are disposable if we are not doing so
The systems that taught us monetary gain takes priority over humanity
The systems that create our insecurities then capitalize off of them
What if we became curious with this free time, & had no agenda other than to experience being?
What if you created art for the sake of creating?
What if you allowed yourself to rest & cry & laugh & play & get curious about whatever arises in you?
What if our true purpose is in this space?
As if Mother Earth is saying: We can no longer carry on this way. The time is now — I am reminding you who you are. Will you remember?
– Emma Zeck
How To Do Nothing
If this month’s circumstances have you spending more time alone or in quiet, how can you embrace it? Here are a few ways to slow down. We’ve included some easy, fun zero-pressure do nothing ideas to get your mind off our current situation. The best part – you don’t have to do any of them.
Book Club + Chill | Take a break from all the Netflixing and online workouts and exercise your page-turning finger. If you need a little book club inspo, we love what’s happening over at Hello Sunshine. We featured Emma Roberts’ round-up of classics that are a must for any femme-lit-nerd-wannabes (like us). Read More
Yoga Nidra for the pause button | Karen Brody’s radical antidote to the buzzsaw of news, media and scroll-addiction is to integrate mind-altering yoga nidra naps into our lifestyles. You read that correctly. Naps. Turns out that naps are the most healing kind of do-nothings you can do right now. Read More
Breathe, repeat | Have you noticed you’ve been holding your breath lately? Take a moment to learn to breathe — the right way, with breathe-pro, Ashley Neese. Best part, you’re already a natural. read this + read more
Take it Out In The Kitchen | Feeling on the verge of a major rager meltdown right about now? Take Dana Velden’s advice to get in the kitchen and “beat the hell out something delicious.” No one gets hurt and it usually produces something seriously yummy. Read More
