To do or not to do

Here’s the big lesson I’ve learned in the past month: Relaxing is the key to doing anything.

I didn’t set out to learn this lesson. I set out on an adventure with a friend, to take some time out and rest on one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. We rented a small house in the jungle and lived a spare, simple life: practicing yoga and meditation, eating nutritious, locally sourced food (with lots of fresh coconut, banana and raw cacao smoothies), plenty of time to read and a daily afternoon swim in Chaloklum Bay.

Now this routine would not have been possible for me in my earlier years– I was too busy trying to get somewhere. I could not comfortably sit still for any length of time. It was pretty exhausting, not to mention discouraging when things didn’t really work out.

The strange thing is that while I hibernated in the palm grove contemplating a slower pace of life, all sorts of things developed without my doing anything at all. I’ve got inspiring work booked through the winter season, and new developments in other areas that shall be unveiled soon. Suddenly life is full, and all I had to do was get out of my own way.

Have you noticed yourself striving to get somewhere, or something and feeling frustrated by the (lack of) result? What would happen if you simply stopped? I am beginning to realize that the universe responds to a calm state of mind more readily that it does to an eager, frantic one. What a relief that all it takes is learning to relax.

So here’s to doing nothing. If you’re one of those people who need justification to do this, consider this your permission slip.