Giving myself a break…
Huh? What does “giving myself a break” mean? Getting off my own case? Wait a sec, are we writing in cliches now? Giving myself a break, getting off my own case? Nope. But, like all of you out there, I live in a popular culture that, shall we say, is ripe (rife?) with cliches and I’m certainly not immune to soaking them up. (And you?)
Cliche defensiveness aside, returning to the initially mentioned, “giving myself a break.” What does that cliche really mean?
Does it indicate I’m being really, really, hard on myself and want a particular behavior to cease and desist?
Or, I’ve run a marathon (not Boston, however), and am totally out of breath, thirsty, and a tad haggard, but still ready to begin training for my next marathon at 7 AM the next morning?
Oh, wait, here’s another good one. I’ve just finished an intensive writing spell, composing the next “This Being Human Thing,” and would just prefer to stare out the window.
Oh no! Wait! How could I forget? Just one more in the cliched “giving myself a break” category. Look, folks, making myself vulnerable is central to “This Being Human Thing,” well, because it’s so human. And to feel more sanguine about being human means sharing with each other, um, some of our very human qualities - within limits of course. We ain’t alone in this being human thing. Right? So here’s another human activity (categorized under “giving myself a break”) on which I need to lift the curtain: my beginning viewing addiction to Ralphie, the Reformed Demon Dog on Facebook. A wonderfully guilty new pleasure that, oh heck, I’m just going to identify and let you explore if you’re so inclined. (But it sure is uplifting and fun.)
OMG, I wrote a whole paragraph on the above? (Oh, wait, that’s being human, isn’t it?)
Where was I? Oh, yes, “giving myself a break,” and more specifically, giving myself a break from being focused. In actuality, I am currently, pleasurably, unfocused or indulging in what’s now characterized as mind wandering. Huh? Is this a just fancy way of dressing up “doing nothing,” always a loaded term in our production-oriented culture?
I suppose, BUT try this on for size. Mind wandering, “a practice of allowing your mind to wander and reflect, without a task, is an excellent low-key way to refresh your creative toolbox.” Does looking out the window count? You bet. How about playing online Boggle? Oh my, yes! And, and…spending more time with Facebook’s Ralphie, The Reformed Demon Dog? (Love that name!) Of course.
In all honesty, I’ve never done “nothing” well. Too impacted by my “do something” culture and I’ll probably never completely escape that aura. However, I have this wonderful new psychological descriptor, mind wandering, that I can apply to my challenging “doing nothing” mind set. Best of all, mind wandering is social science and research-based. (Not a figment of my imagination!) And it is just so permission-giving to, well, let your mind wander. How do you like them apples? (OMG, another cliche!) Creative tool box, I’m meandering my way in your direction….
If you’ll excuse me now, my eyes keep wandering off to the magnificent trees outside my window and want to linger there for a while. Bye, y’all.
Hey, folks. Do you find yourself smiling or moved after reading “This Being Human Thing? Well, share this experience with someone you care about.
I find with the mind wandering, if I give myself permission, spirit leads me to something that ignites my senses and realizations. Now if I can just not pick up the phone or get interrupted and stay on task! Your trees are very therapeutic and nurturing. I just know it!