The Importance of Idleness: The Coaching of Leisure
Efficiency and productivity are the keywords for our daily lives.
It seems that every moment must be filled with activities, commitments, and goals to achieve. Yet, there is a practice we often neglect, but which is of fundamental importance for our well-being: idleness. Yes, you read that right, being idle.
The fear of boredom
Bertrand Russell had already anticipated this in 1930, in his essay "The Conquest of Happiness" when he wrote: "a generation that cannot endure boredom will be a generation of small men, of whom every vital impulse is withered."
It seems that boredom is unacceptable and that space, and especially time, must be filled with something to do.
Psychologist Adam Phillips, in his book "On Kissing, Tickling and Being Bored," defines boredom as "suspended anticipation," that is, "That state in which something could happen but nothing does, a pervasive sense of restlessness that surrounds the most absurd and paradoxical of desires, the desire for a desire."
The paradox of time
We live with performance anxiety, with the idea of "something to do and to prove," as if time spent thinking about something, or even nothing, is wasted time.
Think about it: how often have you felt the pressure to always be productive? How often have you avoided relaxing for fear of wasting precious time? This approach leads us to live a hectic life, without ever stopping to enjoy the present moment.
The value of idleness
Idleness is not simply "doing nothing." It is an opportunity to recharge our energy, to reflect, to be creative. It is in these moments of apparent inactivity that the best ideas and the deepest insights often emerge.
When we allow ourselves to be idle, to unplug, to let our minds wander freely, we create a space where new perspectives and innovative solutions can emerge.
Idleness coaching
Idleness can also be learned. In fact, "idleness coaching" is a concept that invites us to reconsider our relationship with time and the idea of productivity. Culturally, we have always been accustomed to viewing sacrifice as rewarding.
In reality, this burnout culture is actually raising generations that can no longer tolerate stress and competition. They constantly feel judged based on results obtained rather than the journey taken, highlighting the judgment of fallibility.
A simple mistake is seen as an unforgivable and insurmountable error, when in reality, it's just about having a holistic view and a broad, calm perspective.
The dedication to success has ended up being too stressful a test, which has not trained strength but has fueled fragility. It's better, then, to learn to manage time, breaks, and self-listening.
How to start practicing idleness
Here are some tips to start practicing idleness in your daily life:
- Schedule time for idleness: yes, it may seem counterintuitive, but scheduling moments of inactivity can help you give these moments the importance they deserve.
- Reconnect with nature: spend time outdoors, without a specific goal. Observe the trees, listen to the birds singing, let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the natural world.
- Practice meditation or mindfulness: these techniques help you stay present and enjoy the moment without worrying about the past or the future.
- Read for pleasure: not to learn something new or to improve yourself, but simply for the joy of immersing yourself in a story.
- Be kind to yourself: don't feel guilty for taking time for yourself. Remember that idleness is an important part of your well-being.
Learning to be idle may seem like a challenge in a fast-paced society, but the benefits for our mental and physical well-being are invaluable.
So, next time you feel overwhelmed by commitments, try to do nothing for a while.
You might discover a new world of possibilities.