At this moment I should be tanned to a perfect toasted almond honey drop hue and freckled with a multitude of mosquito bites scars. Unfortunately, this is not the case because my annual vacation to Belize was canceled. The purpose of this important adventure was to spend quality time with my father who lives there and connect with my heritage and history. This year was going to be extra special because my brother and his family made plans to join me. This meant that my father would see his youngest son in-person for the first time in over ten years and finally get to meet his grandchildren and daughter-in-law.
The pandemic had other plans.
Normally, I would fill the freed-up days on my calendar with work and client requests or try to plan a safe and socially distanced vacation which wouldn’t require air travel. Instead, I decided to truly take a break. I woke up when my body wanted to and took long midday naps when my body told me to. I spent hours in nature enjoying jazz music and books by my fire pit. My main goal for the week was…nothing.
I’m sure many of you can relate when I say that doing nothing is harder than you think, especially for someone who feels like they should be filling every single minute with productivity. The outcome was more peace, joy, and energy than I have felt in a long time. In that space created by nothingness, I was also inundated with inspiration and ideas which had seemingly been eluding me for months.
People often ask me what they should do to cope with the trauma, loss, lack of motivation and productivity, and other challenges that come with life during a pandemic. What if that something that you’ve been looking for to soothe your weary soul, is absolutely nothing?
Nothing may be the very thing you need to deal, feel, and heal.
Here are a few simple strategies to support you in doing nothing.
Out of Office. Set an honest automated email vacation responder. Busyness is celebrated, but it is overrated because it often leads to subpar deliverables and burnout. Not only did my out-of-office message let my colleagues and clients know that I would be away, but it also communicated that this break was an intentional investment in being able to serve them better, and I encouraged them to consider doing something similar.
Consider Those in Your Care. When we keep pushing through even though we are exhausted, stressed, overwhelmed, and constantly traumatized by world events, no one gets the best of us. If you have trouble doing this for yourself, because you want to prioritize everyone else, think about how much better, happier, and energized you will be for them, by simply stopping. If not for a week, try a day, or even an hour.
Acknowledge Your Addiction. What came to mind when you heard the word addiction? We often condemn and stigmatize people who are addicted to substances such as drugs, alcohol or even food. But what about that ism that’s plaguing the majority of the high achieving and successful people I know, present company included?
Workaholism.
The only difference here is that this a more socially acceptable ism, but in many ways, it still takes a pretty heavy toll on our mental and physical health, as well as our relationships. I invite you to release judgement of all addictions and look at them as symptoms of something that needs the space that nothingness creates. Space to deal, feel and heal.
This week I challenge you to schedule a block of nothing. It’s like having a conversation with your closest friend, and actually making time for silence to truly hear what they have to say. Your body and soul have been waiting for their turn to speak. They are your conduits for divine guidance and will provide the answers you’ve been searching for. The space of nothingness is their stage, microphone, and amplifying sound system. Give them their platform and in return, they will give you exactly what you need.
Manifestation Affirmations
I am making space for my feelings.
I am making space for my healing.
I am releasing judgement of myself and others.
Master Your Mindset to Manifest a Life You Love. Most Sincerely, Monica Marie Jones Your Soul Journey Guide
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