“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.”
Sam Keen, noted American author, professor, and philosopher
I couldn’t agree more and yet, it seems to me we have lost the ability to thoroughly enjoy our laziness – the lazy hazy days of summer in August are so important to our well-being and they are upon us!
I have to confess I still have not indulged the virtue of laziness. So much going on and I get caught in that “THERE ISN’T ENOUGH TIME!” syndrome. I know how important it is for me to do nothing. Still, there is always something to do, especially in the age of electronics. I’m watching the news as I write this – how bad is that! – I am so busted!
So the TV is now off and the quiet releases the Creative Catalyst.
I believe strongly that until I can center my self in quiet, turn off the mind noise and lower the volume on the world chatter I can’t really access my creative core. Meditation is a daily practice for me, I am talking about more than that. I am talking about giving myself the gift of being lazy. The gift of hanging out in a hammock staring off into space, ignoring the lists of things to do and take the elevator instead of the stairs like I know I “should”. Shutting down the “shoulds”.
So before the back to school days and the new beginnings of September I am giving myself the rest of August off! I am putting away deadlines and going to the park and a picnic blanket, to Coney Island and the sounds of squeals of delight and the feel of sticky fingers from cotton candy. I am going to regenerate and discover and ignite my inner core. It is a long winter in the northeast and I want to be ready for it with the warm memories of those lazy hazy August days. Join me?
August 23, 2014 at 2:02 am
Sounds wonderful and good for you for committing to that. I want a hammock!! That, and a walk-in closet. But until I can get those, I’m enjoying having nice August weather since I usually suffer a lot in NYC summer with allergies, asthma and heat exhaustion. This month, not so bad. So I have been able to think better and create more than usual during this time. Yet, like you, I’m keeping too busy. I plan to take my lazy hazy August days in the fall. And I can’t wait to gaze into the clouds and form shapes and stories. Maybe by then, I will have a walk-in closet with a hammock in it. Enjoy the riches of the earth, air and water. SINGcerely, Mary
August 29, 2014 at 4:15 pm
YAY on taking August off and giving your mind, body and spirit time to rest.