29 Jul 2024
The idea of Finding Your Nothing is a strange one in our busy lives. We are so use to Doing on full speed and we have become accustomed to distraction. Seeking Nothing is a challenge, but it is in Nothing that we can find the energy and potential to Be more and Do more.
At a previous NAEO Summer Conference, I spoke about Resilience. With holidays ahead (for some of us) I encouraged everyone to seek space and stillness. Frankly it was an eye-opener to some. Talking of Being Still when our lives are driven by targets, deadlines, planning and administration is an unusual topic for discussion.
I know that winding down takes time. We cannot just switch off. We need to do less, slowly. It might take some mental preparation to find yourself resting in a quiet space, with nowhere to be and nothing to do.
Some feel this is a luxury and not for them. But is for everyone. Taking time doing YOUR Nothing is essential for your Wellbeing.
I have to admit that my Nothing is not a 2-week break in the sun. A Beach Holiday does not do it for me. Because of where I work, I have found I function best with regular breaks every 6 weeks or so.
So I build in a series of long weekends and I have come to know what MY Nothing is.
Nothing for me is not doing absolutely Nothing, But it is a different space and pace.
- It is reading a book in the garden with a cup of my favourite Earl Grey Tea
- It is a meal with friends
- A walk in the woods
- Some classical music
- A glass of wine, and time with Family
- Catching up on films and Period Dramas
- Looking round a Stately Home
- An away day to a museum
My Nothing will not be your Nothing. Just lying in the sun leaves me itching to be somewhere else, but I do love to nap and sleep. And all that repairs and rebuilds my resilience.
Rest, sleep, quiet, space, taking a breath, and a pause, is what we are aiming for. And that is everything that is the opposite of our natural busy ‘doing’ lives.
We are in a task-driven profession that builds to a crescendo early summer.
Is it any wonder that as the timetable moves towards its conclusion, we need adrenalin and focus to keep us on track? And when we are finally ‘allowed’ to stop – what then?
- Too tired to enjoy the break?
- Too frazzled to rest?
Many of us take a while to de-cant and unwind, but I encourage you to seek the rest anyway.
Diary it in. Create that window – or whatever you call it.
Please avoid just ‘pencilling it in’. My Brother used to ‘pencil me in’ and invariably changed or cancelled the arrangement, or sometimes swopped me for something more interesting nearer the time! So No Pencilling. Holiday time is non-negotiable. You deserve a fixed and regular time off.
Highlight it on your calendar.
See your ‘pause’ or ‘space for stillness’ moving nearer.
My 6 weekly breaks are great but I am also good about de-stressing along the way.
- I take a pause for a 5 minute Nothing when I feel I need to, sometimes looking out of the window and letting my mind seek a happy place.
- Or I clasp my hand around a crystal and walk around the corridors and pathways.
- Sometimes I offer up a silent prayer that I will soon be re-balanced.
- Or I mentally send best wishes to the person who has momentarily sent me sideways!
There is no room here for feeling guilty about time off, time away or time to do your Nothing.
You may not seek a silent space. Seek instead whatever works to refill your well before you find yourself running on empty and needing an outside intervention to rescue you.
Every day we take on 2nd hand stress from those we live and work around. You need to find a way to slough them off. You need to be your own ‘Lost and Found Rescue Service’.
Know how to dig yourself out of your tight spot.
Be gentle on yourself so that you can be calmer around others. They will feel the ripples of your sense of ease.
And as the stress eases and the space you’ve allowed yourself helps things shake down inside you, your Mind, Body and Spirit will feel repaired, refreshed and revitalised.
So this summer keep that diary date you planned for yourself, and find your Nothing.
You will cope better, be more resilient, more creative, and more in control.
Roll on Summer!
Love and Light,
Geraldine
Want to remind your colleagues that Doing Less means Being More? Download your Rest and Relaxation Wall poster here
This August I’m bringing out my NEW Student Exam Stress Course that so many of you were interest in at Conference. You can watch my Stress Masterclass here. It will only be available for a limited time: August 15 – August 20th
You’ll find details of all my courses at www.geraldinejozefiak.com