Doing Nothing Print

We live in a culture that worships at the altar of productivity. It has tricked us into believing that we should always be busy, always “doing” something. If it’s not shared on social media, it didn’t happen. If it can’t be measured, it doesn’t matter.

But doing nothing isn’t really doing nothing. Holding a sleeping baby and soaking in a quiet moment won’t decrease the messages in your inbox. But it certainly isn’t “nothing.” Taking the time to do nothing once in a while – especially with the people we love – might be the single most important thing we do all day.

Time and again, I see friends or couples together, at the beach, on the train, out to dinner, and their attention is on their phones. Their bodies are near each other, but their hearts and minds are miles apart. Together, but not really. All because we can’t escape the lure to do...something.

This painting is inspired by a quote from Winnie the Pooh, who said, “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” Doing nothing, it seems, takes more effort than doing something. But doing nothing can fill us with peace that is oh so hard to come by these days.

Having a little honey, wishing on a dandelion, and enjoying a fine day together might feel a lot like nothing.

Doing nothing is enough.