Thursday, October 15, 2009

Doing Nothing is Doing Something

I think this is probably a recurring theme in my blogs. But, it is true. I use this phrase with people who want to know what I do in Mexico.........aaargh, that question drives me nuts.

So, today I looked at the calendar and I have absolutely NOTHING I have to do. Oh glory be. The possibilities of nothingness are endless. The "to do" list says NADA........yippee.

I learned when I used to be creative and designing that I needed down time for reflection and observation. It's so restorative. I think Felipe over at Tales of Zapata (you can click on his blog on the right side of this blog) has observation and reflection down to a science. His writings of all manner of things is poetic. His observations and reflections provide writings that bring you into the setting that he is describing and make you sigh. Wish I had that gift!

But anyway, I digress. Nothingness is a great way to only do those things that come to mind at that time. It's the ultimate in "living in the moment". Who knows what will evolve as today goes on? Somehow I feel like some cooking will happen. Maybe a new recipe or two. Or I noticed that the big limb on the loquat tree needs pruning. Or I might just sit and contemplate and observe that spider web that Mr Spider is weaving out there in the downstairs patio.

Ahh, doing nothing is doing something is just perfect.

17 comments:

Charles said...

I think "the bench" you wrote about earlier would be a perfect place for doing nothing - and I agree - Felipe's painting with words is remarkable -

Tancho said...

Listen, this is hard work!

People would be surprised of how fast the hours disappear by doing trivial things that need to get done on a daily basis.
Having a calm, reduced stressful life in Mexico needs to be carefully honed while at the same time fitting into the carefully orchestrated routine of non compliance time wise.
Some people become professionals at it, I still have to work a little at it. I would tell you more but it is time for me to jot down to the plaza for my afternoon coffee and fruit plate, for $45 pesos.....

Anonymous said...

i'll give you something to do. you can sing happy birthday to me. i'm 55 today and so happy to be healthy.

just got back from 12 days of touring italy and france-the most expensive birthday present i've ever given to myself. i had a great time!

teresa

Anonymous said...

Felipe's ramblings about nothing are quite incredible.

Can you imagine if he had something to do!

Rick

Babs said...

Charles - "painting with words" is a beautiful description.
Constantino - This IS hard work and not for the faint hearted. Non-compliance should be underscored. I'm trying to become a professional "do nothing". Ha.
Teresa - Well Happy, happy Birthday.You're in the prime of your life.......France and Italy - how nice.
Rick - It boggles the mind.

Anonymous said...

I wasn't doing anything at all...just happened to check your blog.

Andres

Michael Dickson said...

Babs, I send you a cyberhug for the kind words. I´d give Charles and Rick the same thing, but we don´t know each other well enough.

Teresa, feliz cumpleaños. I moved to Mexico five months after my 55th birthday, and things have gone straight uphill ever since. I don´t know if that was because I turned 55 or because I moved to Mexico or both. Whatever. Things really start to pop when you reach 55. You´ll see.

I´ll tell you what I did today. I mowed the lawn. Isn´t that exciting?

Babs said...

All cyberhugs accepted. I did almost nothing. Cooked and baked...sunbathed....read. A GREAT day. Manana will be semi hectic. Love these restorative days........
Felipe, hire a gardener for one morning a week. You're old enough now to deserve it!

Michael Dickson said...

We´ve had two gardeners. More trouble than they were worth. Now I do it all.

Charles said...

Felipe - I appreciated your insight on dodging the hurricanes and sweating my ars off in PV - but I need to give it a shot - who knows how it will turn out - but that is why they call it an adventure I guess. I think Patzcuaro might be a little to slow at this point - however I'm giving serious consideration to asking you to fence me on re-opening "the closet" - I think a good drag show on Friday nights would do your little village good!

Again - your writing is "strictly Brooklyn" as my friend John used to say - which means it doesn't get any better - thanks for your verbal portraits.

Babs - I'm looking forward to my move - hopefully I will eventually meet all of you bloggers in real time - until then - cyberhugs to all -

Michael Dickson said...

Charles: El Closet closed in the original location, but has opened in two others, becoming a chain. A Friday night drag show would be most welcome.

Calypso said...

The thing about doing nothing is that it is an art from. Most people leaving the working world will find it tough going to learn the form.

It took me a couple of years to learn to relax after getting out of the rat race.

I have it down now - thank you very much.

Now I will go back to doing nothing.

Babs said...

Hi Calypso. It DOES take adjusting of attitude and temperament, doesn't it? Glad you managed to get there. When my old friends come from the USA, they are amazed that I have gone from a serious Type A personality to probably a Type D now....it's all good. IF they only knew what they are missing - but I'm NOT about to tell them.

Steve Cotton said...

Well, you stole my topic for tomorrow. But nothing is still nothing -- even when doubled.

Charles said...

Hi Steve - your writing is so similar to Hemingways's to me - nice to meet you on the blog - so sorry for your loss of Jigg's - But I I feel a reincarnation on the way - quien sabe?

Take care - hope to have a real life encounter someday -

Michael Dickson said...

Steve: Look at that! Hemingway. Now you can start a right-side column too. Get to it.

It took me no time at all to become a Type D personality. I have been one all my life.

Robin said...

I think there is an old Spanish saying: It is wonderful to do nothing - and then afterwards, to rest! Sounds like my ideal of retiring in beautiful Mexico! Enjoy your weekend, be safe! Hugs, Robin