Doing, Versus Being

How do you choose to spend your time during the COVID-19 self-isolation? While I might feel at times that this is an uncomfortable period of restriction and isolation, tension and fear of the unknown, I’d rather find ways that make me feel good. I choose to paint, write, read, study, organize, even cook or clean, and my list of things to do only gets longer. Life has never been so full of choices. By just one click of a button we can explore new worlds and learn new skills. For most of us keeping busy is a normal way of conduct but do we know the art of just doing nothing? This foreign idea of being still might sound like a “waste of time” in this age of multitasking. The French philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote: “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone”.
Perhaps it’s time we embrace our new reality and turn off the noise around us every once-in-awhile. There is a perfect harmony between doing and just being. Each of them completes our lives. By connecting to our inner world, to our soul we help our growth and our mental being. By creating a quiet place and moments of calm we rediscover our authentic selves. Sitting still for 15 minutes a day can be done in a room with scented candles, decompressing while soaking in a bubble bath, going for a walk or just sitting in our backyard. All are ways to give us some well-deserved quality time of living in the moment. Upon reflecting on my attitudes, I may gain new perspectives. Now, I may not think that I’m being disconnected and helpless, rather that I’m staying protected, taking responsibility for my health. Instead of feeling stuck, I feel more rested and taking time for myself. The answers and best solutions and strategies will come to us with great insights. During this self-isolation time, it can become a good habit of carving out time to ponder what truly matters to us. Next time you see me daydreaming, please let me be. I might be working on something very important like finding a new direction for myself. It may take time, but it is only in that stillness that I can truly find myself. So, do yourself a favor and get busy just doing nothing.
Naomi Young is an educator of Jewish studies and a Bar/ Bat mitzvah tutor in Santa Clarita for 37 years. She’s also a published writer and an artist. Contact her at naomiyoung7@yahoo.com Visit her art website at www.naomiyoung.com