Do Nothing. Just writing those two words feels freeing. I am so grateful that I have learned how to do nothing successfully for almost twenty-five years. I am not a bum or lazy; much to the contrary. I just do nothing at least once a day to support effectiveness and attention. I do nothing to stay present or become present again after a distraction or lack of focus seep in. I do nothing because it is important, maybe necessary, to be the person I aspire to be....
One of the most significant challenges in modern American life is learning and mastering the art of not trying. We are taught as children and adults that the more we do, the better person we will become. It does not matter if it is more work, more money, more alcohol, more sex, more vacations, or more fun; we must do more. We are a culture of doing, not being. Our value and status are often directly related to how much we do. And if we think about it, doing it is usually directly connected to how hard we try. If we try harder, we will do more and, therefore, be a better person. When we scrape it all away, it is about doing and trying more and harder. The art of not trying is contrary to this cultural belief system....
