Doing nothing

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Sue Vincent

I’m in the last few hours before the run north for the workshop this weekend. As soon as I close the front door behind me, anything that has been neglected or forgotten will cease to matter and simply have to be worked around. I have been hampered by this ridiculous foot for the past few days and I still have a fair amount to do. Not only is there the workshop to consider, but the arrival of friends shortly afterwards for a few days and a possible house move thrown in to the mix. I’m still working on that. So, with such a lot to do, it is all about getting priorities right.

So what did I do with my penultimate afternoon? Did I stress, dash around like the proverbial headless chicken… or plan a carefully Virgoan route through a to-do list? No.

I curled up on the sofa with the dog and slept through it instead.

In my defence, I hadn’t slept much the night before… again. And there is a point at which you know that sleep has become a necessity. For me that moment came this morning. It was bad enough almost pouring the soup I had made for my son into his cup of tea. But I didn’t really get the message until I absently strained the boiling water from the vegetables through my fingers. Thankfully, quick reactions and lots of icy water left them only sore and not burned… but it was enough of a reminder.

Sometimes we get the priorities all wrong and worry about problems that may be far less important than we think. The more we worry, the more the task looms, dooms, and glooms above and around us. Taking a step back…or in this case, a couple of hours on the sofa, may be all it takes to clear the screen and start again.

The real problem here was not the need to get everything done, but the fact I was too tired to get everything done. By ‘losing’ a couple of the limited hours I have left, I will work better, safer and quicker… and maybe even be able to see the eye in the needle I still have to thread, rather than seeing four at once dancing…

Most things work out better if, like a house, the foundations are carefully put in place. No-one will ever see them, but whether you build a fairytale palace with minarets or a sturdy cottage, it is the foundation that holds everything up and keeps it from tumbling in around your ears.

All the really important things are done here for the workshop; the packing won’t take long. My friends are not coming to run their fingers across the tops of doors in search of dust and wouldn’t care if they found it anyway. The house cannot be packed until I know I am moving… so is there any point at all in getting stressed? Not really.

On the other hand, I do have a long drive ahead, a workshop to attend and a great desire  to spend time with people I love and whose company  I want to be able to stay awake long enough to enjoy. Housework and gardening can wait. Sleep takes precedence.

Sometimes doing absolutely nothing at all is the best possible use of your time.

Unknown's avatar

About Sue Vincent

Sue Vincent was a Yorkshire born writer, esoteric teacher and a Director of The Silent Eye. She was immersed in the Mysteries all her life. Sue maintained a popular blog and is co-author of The Mystical Hexagram with Dr G.M.Vasey. Sue lived in Buckinghamshire, having been stranded there due to an accident with a blindfold, a pin and a map. She had a lasting love-affair with the landscape of Albion, the hidden country of the heart. Sue  passed into spirit at the end of March 2021.
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35 Responses to Doing nothing

  1. C.E.Robinson's avatar C.E.Robinson says:
    April 20, 2016 at 03:46

    Sue, safe travels! You seem to always work things out quite well, no matter the challenges! Enjoy the conference and time with friends. Good thoughts on your move! 💛 Elizabeth

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  2. Ritu's avatar Ritu says:
    April 20, 2016 at 06:16

    Hope travels and the worlshop go well Sue!
    Tiredness can hinder so much, you were right to give into sleep!

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  3. Bun Karyudo's avatar BunKaryudo says:
    April 20, 2016 at 06:51

    It reminds me a little of the well-known proverb “more haste, less speed.” Sometimes we just need to relax a little so that when we return to a task feeling refreshed, we do a much better job of it. Anyway, I hope you have a great time at your workshop.

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  4. socialbridge's avatar socialbridge says:
    April 20, 2016 at 08:07

    Couldn’t agree more.
    Hope you have a fun and productive time.

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  5. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.'s avatar Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. says:
    April 20, 2016 at 08:39

    Travel safe Sue and have a wonderful weekend.. I am sure you will return invigorated.. As we are staying with family at the moment we cannot busy ourselves… except here on the computer! Take care and hugs

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  6. Jaye Marie & Anita Dawes's avatar jenanita01 says:
    April 20, 2016 at 09:41

    It is important to know when to step back and switch off for a while, better you choose when, than leaving it to chance. Hope the foot holds out…

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  8. Mary Smith's avatar Mary Smith says:
    April 20, 2016 at 10:49

    You did the best thing. It seems counterintuitive to take time out when there are so many things to be dealt with in a limited amount of time but in a way taking the hours out for sleep or any kind of break increases focus and energy levels.
    As the sun is shinng today I am going to abandon my desk and the to-do list and work in the garden – or sit in it and admire the weeds while I read a book.
    Hope all goes well with your travels and weekend.

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  9. Adele Marie's avatar adeleulnais says:
    April 20, 2016 at 11:33

    IT`s good that you slept. Take good care of yourself, Sue, please, and have a great workshop. -big healing hugs- xx

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  10. Don Massenzio's avatar Don Massenzio says:
    April 20, 2016 at 12:37

    Have a great trip. We’ll be here when you get back.

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  11. Judy E Martin's avatar Judy Martin says:
    April 20, 2016 at 12:55

    You are so right Sue. It is so much more important to catch up on your sleep so that you are refreshed and feel more able to tackle the tasks ahead. I hope you have a good time, and can get to relax and enjoy your friends’ company 🙂

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  12. stockdalewolfe's avatar stockdalewolfe says:
    April 20, 2016 at 13:33

    Good luck with all! I am in a similar situation. Husband having to retire because his body is no longer able to stand the stress of working with the poorest of the poor mentally ill in an agency. And about to sell our house but need a buyer before we can start moving things. All makes one focus on the present.

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  13. vanbytheriver's avatar vanbytheriver says:
    April 20, 2016 at 14:25

    Such a wonderful revelation…that if we don’t get to finish that “to do” list, life goes on. Brilliant. Have fun and enjoy the ride. 💖

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  14. Bradley Corbett's avatar Green Embers says:
    April 20, 2016 at 18:26

    I agree. Sometimes doing nothing is great. Sometimes we need to pause and reflect and sometimes just let the brain rest. And now… I want a nap! 😀

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  15. Eliza Waters's avatar Eliza Waters says:
    April 20, 2016 at 21:27

    Wise woman! Have a safe journey and a wonderful workshop!

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  16. dgkaye's avatar dgkaye says:
    April 21, 2016 at 02:18

    Fantastic advice Sue, and so timely for me 😉 I am taking a page out of your book! Thank you. xo ❤

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