Relaxation Found

Relaxation is not easily found these days. Children, family and work commitments seem to make the idea of doing nothing a dream we hope for once or twice a year.    When we do go on vacation it's all about planning every day's activities, but we fail to plan on time for doing nothing.   "Escaping" is the key word. 

At first when I think about doing nothing I feel guilty.  Too much to do, can't just lay around and be idle.  I read an article lately about training yourself to do nothing.  Start by doing nothing while you are waiting in line, at the doctor’s office, on the train or aiplane.  Wait, without reading a newspaper or magazine, without talking on the phone, without checking your email,  without doing any work, without worrying about what you need to do later. Check out the environment, close your eyes for a few minutes, or notice the artwork or music playing.  Wait, and do nothing.

I'm trying not to be on the cell phone or check my Blackberry in the car, even at the traffic light.  It's tough, I might miss something for a few minutes, or an hour!!!  But, it makes me think about other things and enjoy the drive.  I'm amazed at how many restaurants or shops are open that I have missed noticing.   And, I'm able to enjoy music which allows me to be more relaxed.

We all know the mental and physical advantages of relaxation are huge.    We sacrifice too much of our well-being pursuing the ideal of faster, higher, stronger, and/or caught in the fear of our economy,  our jobs and businesses.  Our worries are huge.  It does take a toll on our health.

Relaxation doesn't have to mean sitting or sleeping, it can mean taking the time to do what you love without worries. My favorite things - a walk in the woods, a picnic, a scenic drive with no time constraints. I love to read and I don't mean emails.   My family gave me a Kindle last year. It's a great way to carry books with me wherever I go, encouring me to take time to read. Relaxing in the mountains, reading on the deck or porch is my favorite way of escaping. Taking time to cook recipes I haven't had a chance to do is relaxing to me. I also love to get away with friends to simply catch up or to getaway with my parents - it's a great time to enjoy just the two of them without planning a lot to do. They are in their 80's and being busy is not on their agenda.  I love my garden, tending to the flowers is my way of forgetting my worries for a little while.  And, best of all, taking the time with just my husband to get up late, make a great breakfast, and catch up on all that's happened during the week.

Stop and enjoy the moment and be grateful for the privilege of doing absolutely nothing for as long as you possibly can.

If you want to Escape and get yourself on the right path to relaxation - come visit the Mountains of Western North Carolina.  Refresh, rejuvenate and be sure to plan a day or two of doing nothing.


I am so busy doing nothing... that the idea of doing anything - which as you know, always leads to something - cuts into the nothing and then forces me to have to drop everything.  Jerry Seinfeld