Bravo! Many of your ideas here have helped me maintain sanity. I love watching people when I'm waiting for something. And afternoon "naps" when I sometimes just look out the window instead really clears away the cobwebs. I especially liked the second section of suggestions that take the place of formal meditation, which is yet another thing to do to become "productive." Holy crap. Just sit and stare at the wall, whether you listen to your breath or not. Loved this post, Alvaro. I hope many more of your readers will to and take it to heart.
I'm glad it inspired you. I actually put it into practice yesterday. Southern Spain turns into an oven during the summer, and the heat makes it impossible to do anything outdoors in the afternoons. I spent the afternoon at home lying in bed, staring at the ceiling and letting my mind wander. This time of "doing nothing" turned into a moment of mental clarity. I came home refreshed and ready to enjoy the evening and finish writing without writer's block.
So very true. Wasting time is never time wasted. Even computers need to power down sometimes to recharge and reset. That "hot boot" we have to do sometimes when we pull the plug, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in is a critical step to reset a confused computer.
Bravo! Many of your ideas here have helped me maintain sanity. I love watching people when I'm waiting for something. And afternoon "naps" when I sometimes just look out the window instead really clears away the cobwebs. I especially liked the second section of suggestions that take the place of formal meditation, which is yet another thing to do to become "productive." Holy crap. Just sit and stare at the wall, whether you listen to your breath or not. Loved this post, Alvaro. I hope many more of your readers will to and take it to heart.
Hi Sue! :)
I'm glad it inspired you. I actually put it into practice yesterday. Southern Spain turns into an oven during the summer, and the heat makes it impossible to do anything outdoors in the afternoons. I spent the afternoon at home lying in bed, staring at the ceiling and letting my mind wander. This time of "doing nothing" turned into a moment of mental clarity. I came home refreshed and ready to enjoy the evening and finish writing without writer's block.
Rest is just as important as effort.
So very true. Wasting time is never time wasted. Even computers need to power down sometimes to recharge and reset. That "hot boot" we have to do sometimes when we pull the plug, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in is a critical step to reset a confused computer.