Do you ever get that restless feeling when you have more than a few hours of downtime? It is this uncomfortable, I-don’t-know-what-to-do-with-myself feeling. You don’t feel satisfied but can’t put your finger on why. I wonder if it is a symptom of our go-go-go society. We never stop and when we have time to, we don’t know how. What is the solution to overcoming a restless slump? Is it to learn to sit with your uncomfortable feelings, acknowledge them, and let them pass? Or is it to do something that snaps you out of it before you sink too far in? Ultimately, I chose the latter. I walked out of the apartment and into the world, stopping for a Frappucino and the latest issue of Harper’s Bazaar along the way. Perhaps it was the easy way out, but for today, it will do.
Uncomfortable Downtime
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I experienced that restless boredom twice this weekend. Tried to sit with it until I was so uncomfortable it was almost unbearable. So on both occassions, nearing the end of the day, I went out. The first time to get a bottle of wine, the second to run some errands I've been putting off forever.
Then I wished I hadn't held out and sat in my uncomfortablenss for so long.
Sigh....oh well a lesson learned for me!
great post!!
My only comment is...... you only live one life and there is so much of life to live. There is so much to love, learn and experience that sometimes downtime makes you think you are missing out on something. Even walking to get a coffee and seeing people creating stories (ie. living thier lives) can be a rewarding experience. So avoiding downtime may be a way to make sure we are maxing out life. On the flip side,maybe we live in a world with too many choices and we spend too much time chasing down different options instead of just chilling out and enjoying being.
A very ying and yang comment but it is a hard one........
Hi Fiona,
Your comment really resonated with me. I think you are absolutely right - some of that uncomfortable feeling does come from feeling like you want to be fully experiencing every moment. But there is a danger, as you said, in constantly running from one moment to the next and being disappointed when there is a lack of them.
Great comment.
Kena