Time Out

I seem to be hearing and reading a lot about the benefits of taking time out to think, meditate or even not think, just ruminate!  When was the last time you took 10 minutes to do absolutely nothing?  Think about it - absolutely nothing.  Try it.  Let the thoughts go, never mind what's happened today, what you're going to do tomorrow, sit in the moment and enjoy the sensation.  What happens?

We spend so much time rushing about, crossing off items from our to do list, getting things done, that we forget to take time to do nothing.  What would it take for you to set aside five minutes each day to do nothing, not to think about anything in particular, just sit in the moment?  

Sometimes clients argue that it's not time to meditate, but time to think, silence isn't important, they don't have time to sit and do nothing and so we try to come up with an agreement that meets their needs and also allows them to try taking time to do nothing. Often they come back amazed that they seem to have more time on their hands.  Other times it doesn't work for them, so we look at their day.  We always find something - some time.  

What about when you exercise, sit watching tv (turn it off),  what do you do?  So many people try to multi-task, read, watch the news - how about just staying in the moment?  Let your mind go, wander around, don't stop at each and every thought, just acknowledge them and move on.  Clients who have tried this, talk of having more clarity, of finding answers to questions that they have been pondering or wrestling for weeks.  What would it take for you to try?

Interestingly enough, contemplative practice is meeting Law!  A study at Harvard Law School, The Harvard Negotiation Insight Initiative is looking at the connection between meditation and the art of conflict resolution.  (http://www.harbus.org/2012/meditation-and-leadership).  Business men are becoming more interested in the art of contemplation as a means to move forward.  Go on, try it, take 10 minutes daily for five days, let go and let me know how you do!

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