The Art of Doing Nothing

There is a strain of the puritanical work ethic in America that has become a bit too pronounced. We herald work as the be all end all to life. Those who forego retirement in favor of a lifetime of work have more status than those who retire early. Many young people, hoping to show their commitment to their employers, elect not to use their vacation days. So many others exist in a capitalist system where the option does not even exist - a litany of bills require that many people work multiple jobs. I mourn this loss of leisure time.

Artists in particular require leisure, a space to do nothing without interruption. Leisure, counterintuitively, is part of our work. This is the time when we can think, reflect, be quiet, and let the silence of a day fill our mind. Divorced from distraction or work we can consider our own perspective of the world. In short, leisure time gives us the space to dream.

It is essential as an artist to create space in which you can do nothing. If you are a scheduler, write down a time each week - even if its just for an hour - when you will turn off all electrical devices, put down any work, close ever book and just go outside for a walk, unencumbered. You’ll be shocked at the way your mind wanders when you yourself wander outside. By doing nothing, you create a mental space of great activity. Listen to your inner mind, ponder at the intricacies of life, and think deeply about your place in the universe. You can take these thoughts and realizations back into your work when you settle again at your desk to write.

Sometimes, the event of your day can be “nothing.” Prioritize this time and watch your creativity grow. Give yourself permission to do nothing.