Even at mid-life (aka: knowing better), I sometimes struggle with this hard-to-break axiom: being still is unproductive. There is always something to be accomplished! While resting is well-documented as personally beneficial, intentionally seeking tranquility is generally regarded as unprofitable to (American) society at large.
People like to talk about how busy they are.
During the parenting years and other demanding life seasons, we are legitimately busy. I’m referring to people bemoaning exhaustion from booking themselves morning to night, six days a week. That’s cool, but don’t judge we mid-lifers trying to gain some perspective – spending a couple hours a week strolling a calmer path that was near impossible for a couple previous decades.
After returning from a quick overnight in bustling NYC earlier this past week, I decided this summer will include what most would label “nothingness”. The goals? Clarity, perspective, enjoyment.
Now an empty-nester, I’m revisiting interests placed on the proverbial back-burner while making money and rearing the children. Dare I share a few of my “interests” include…
…wandering nature without checking the time
…reading more than one book a month
…staring at the clouds like I haven’t since my kids were little and we pointed, calling out shapes, animals, etc.
…observing the ebb and flow of waves in the ocean and lake, allowing myself the luxury of being mesmerized and awestruck…?
A few months back, a Texas pastor suggested sitting in a chair for 15 minutes every single day-no phone-no praying asking God for anything-just listening. Countless researchers, best-selling authors and others echo the well-documented benefits of quietness.
What better time than summer to simplify, quiet our spirit and do less (while possibly gaining more)? Here in our nook of New York State, we finally put on a pair of shorts after wearing winter jackets all Spring. The warm sun spoke softness and ease…I wasn’t fighting the wind and clenching my jaw, walking fast past the trees and gardens, missing instead of noticing.
Though summer officially begins later this month, two days of warmth in this frigid climate was enough to prompt an early start to my summer resolutions. I wish you the same – a summer of good work – alongside plenty of fun, rest, stillness, calm…
And, who knows? By summer end, slower-rollers might emerge more creative, better decision-makers, and have greater lasting success than those sprinting without pause.
Related: Silent Stillness is Counter-Cultural
Related: Shhh…I’ve Been Doing “Nothing”!
Tales from a Mid-Lifer 
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