Something That Brings Me Joy

What brings me joy is doing absolutely nothing. Paradoxically, it makes me care deeper about my work and the world around me. If one does not want to waste time, then doing nothing is hard work. Engaging in nothingness requires unexpected discipline and mental focus. Much like mindful meditation, it involves training the mind to return to a state of calm when distractions arise.

I often do nothing when I am walking the dog at night. This used to be a time of podcasts and audiobooks. Otherwise, wasn't walking the dog a waste of time? This is a common feeling amongst all hyper connected and hyper involved individuals. It took me some effort to let go, and to connect with myself and to involve with myself. Once I became good with my mind doing nothing, I realized that at the still point, there the dance is!

The do nothing dog walks are different affairs now. They start with my awareness of surroundings, of sight and smells. And then, I focus on not letting the mind wander. I create a space between me and the objects in my consciousness; the thoughts, feelings, urges, sensations, which look much different when separated from myself. This is where intuitive actions and plans arise. The occasional growl directed towards an unsuspecting squirrel or a friendly wave from a neighbor distracts me, but then I gently prod my mind to nothingness again.

In our fast-paced world, this might seem counterintuitive, yet I find immense satisfaction in moments of stillness. In these quiet moments, I discover clarity and space to reflect. I let my thoughts drift without urgency, allowing creativity to emerge organically. It’s a refreshing break from the relentless pace of daily life, where even brief pauses can feel indulgent.

Ultimately, doing nothing is a powerful reminder that joy often lies not in what we accomplish, but in our ability to pause and embrace the present.