This episode explores the concept of "doing nothing", which, ironically, is still an act of doing "something." In fact, “doing nothing” is a valuable practice where thoughts wander, tensions release, and ideas form.
When you think about the usefulness of empty space in an uncluttered closet you can draw parallels to the clutter of our own minds.
We continue questioning what “nothing” really means. A teenagers’ common response to what they've been doing, “nothing,” reveals that phone time, games, and chatting still contain connection, creativity, humor, and art.
Life is hectic and there is always something to do, which may make "doing nothing" one of the most important parts of your day.
The episode ends with an extended piece in C-major titled “Wind at Play.”
Transcript:
Vitamin Nothing
Eyes closed, thoughts wander by, an idea connects...
Whether returning from vacation, waking from a nap, or riding a single deep breath's trailing exhale -- energy flows, tensions release, and ideas form from what seemed to be nothing.
Doing nothing can of course be a good thing. Maybe it's a trope by now. But let's see where we can run with that trope.
But, What Is Nothing?
There are parallels of practicality to nothing.
A closet, for example, when overfilled makes getting to things difficult. What we can get to is either wrinkled or just in front. Meanwhile, when there's empty space, getting to what we want becomes much easier.
There must be a parallel to engaging our lives, work, and play.
But, What Is It to "Do Nothing?"
Turning to what may be our resident experts, teenagers, we hear with rare exception, in response to what they've done with their day,
"Nothing."
But nothing cannot simply be staring at a wall. Even sleep has active components.
So I ask,
"What does doing nothing look like?"
"I'm on my phone," "playing games," "talking to friends,"...
Asking further eventually reveals worlds of connection, creativity, music, art, humor, and more.
So even nothing is something.
Still, what then is "nothing"?
Is it a sense of release from responsibility? A responsibility to others? from ourselves? Could anything beyond responsibility be just one of a myriad species of Nothing?
The Art of Nothing
Such a practice must be a rhythm of structure and a lack thereof. Some even find it useful to schedule unstructured time, particularly as the weights of adulting accrue.
But then, how much is too much Nothing?
Is it when we feel good and ready to do Something? Is it when the world demands Something from us? Is it only when we parent ourselves through a proxy of lists, calendars, and timers to say,
"That's enough for now"?
Personally, I add "leisure" (perhaps another word for "Nothing"?) as a deliberate part of my daily visits. (See below) That Nothing may last a few minutes or hours. But once a day, I must acknowledge to myself, this is my time.
Is that it then? Is Nothing when I have the sense that I own this moment of time?
Whatever it is, when I cannot make it to Nothing, my day feels crowded, strained, or perhaps better said, unhealthy.
Nothing, in this way, is both a vital resource and a useful measure. Somewhere, I need my daily dose of Vitamin Nothing.
Mentioned in this episode:
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