There's a beauty in doing absolutely nothing
the coach's notes #110
There's a profound wisdom to be discovered in the leisurely turn of a page or the rhythmic lapping of ocean waves against the shore. It's in these tranquil moments, void of rush and deadlines, that you can truly tune in to the deeper, more evocative harmonies of existence. I had the good fortune to unplug from the chaos last week on the sun-drenched shores of Cyprus.
There's a beauty in doing absolutely nothing. However, we often feel guilty for taking time out. The whispers of the world and the nudges of responsibility constantly entice us to plunge back into the hustle. Yet I know there is an intrinsic value to these quiet intervals.
Life's most beautiful moments often arise from these quiet intervals—from a deep breath taken in the quiet morning hours, from an unscripted smile shared with a stranger, from a mesmerising sunset that requires nothing from us but our presence and appreciation. It's in these moments, free from the pursuit of achievement, that we can truly connect with our essence, with the world around us, and with the profound joy of simply being.
In our endless striving for progress, the simple joy of existing without the pressure of achievement is easily forgotten and often deemed unproductive or even wasteful. We forget that we are human beings, not human doings. We are built for connection, emotion, and experience as much as we are for achievement and progress. We ought to remember to pause, to breathe, to marvel at the wonder of our existence, and to derive joy from it, unburdened by the shackles of constant accomplishment.
The simple joy of existing—of observing, feeling, thinking, and being—should be cherished as a fundamental part of our lives. It's in these unhurried moments that we truly live, in the most authentic sense of the word. Thus, as we continue our pursuit of progress, it is crucial that we do not lose sight of this inherent joy, this essential aspect of our humanity. For without it, all our achievements would be hollow, and all our progress would be devoid of true meaning.
This sense of existing without a constant drive to achieve can be likened to a calm sea. When the water is tumultuous and stormy, stirred up by the wind of constant striving, it becomes nearly impossible to see clearly. But when the sea is calm, when there is no rush or urgency, the water becomes clear, and we can finally see the treasures that have been there all along—in the simple and profound act of existing.
The very notion of progress in our modern society is intrinsically tied to achievement, to milestones met, to boxes checked off a seemingly never-ending list. We're conditioned to believe that our worth is commensurate with our productivity and that our value is a derivative of our accomplishments. Yet, this relentless striving often leaves us weary, and the simple, foundational joy of existence—of being in the world—slips through the cracks of our packed schedules and our crowded minds.
As I watched the sun dip into the crystal-clear sea, painting the sky with splashes of vermilion and gold, I realised that time, so often a relentless taskmaster, could also be a gentle companion. When we let it be. In this unhurried tempo, time, instead of being a haunting shadow, became a benevolent friend. It allowed me to breathe, to marvel at the grandeur of the night sky, to enjoy a long conversation with my fellow vacationers, and to simply be. The truth is, we all deserve moments where time serves us instead of us, it.
The frenetic pace of life demands we continually push forward, often at the expense of the one thing that sustains us: our well-being. As I've learned during my week in Cyprus, stepping back isn't an indulgence; it's a necessity. It is in these pauses that we garner strength, find inspiration, and reconnect with the elements of life that truly matter.
I return now to the ordinary world with my senses amplified, my thoughts clearer, and my spirit rejuvenated.
Once again, your kindness and support are much appreciated.
Clay