I read something brilliant over breakfast this morning.  It really dressed up my yogurt and toast, it got me thinking.  I’d like to share it with you now.

I’m still making my way through Thich Nhat Hahn’s book Peace is Every Step.  And what did I find in there over breakfast?

Something simple and smart— a common turn of phrase turned on its head in a truly delightful way.

You know that common saying,

“Don’t just sit there, do something ” –?

Hahn cleverly encourages us to play with this notion, to step away from the busy-ness that inhabits our lives in all corners.

He tells us to do the opposite:

Don’t just do something, sit there.

Yes.  Yes.  Now, why don’t we try?

Please do

In the time it would take you to read this post, just 3 to 5 minutes, try something different with me.

Do a funny thing— read the rest of this post, then return back to this sentence and put it into practice.

It’s a weird paradox– reading about meditation and mindfulness doesn’t let you do it in that moment.

So you have to, after reading and learning about it, let yourself practice it.

Let’s you and I just sit here for a moment.

Be still, be present, be aware.

Notice your breathing.

Notice the sounds in the room where you sit.

Notice your tummy grumbling.

Notice your in breath and your out breath.

Notice the muffled voices that come from the other room.

Notice how your mind wants to wander.  Observe where it wants to go, and gently bring it back.

Notice your impatience, your worry, your wonderings.

Just notice.  Notice.

Will you try?

Set a timer if you must.  Three or five minutes, won’t you please?

Don’t open another tab in your browser right now.

Don’t go off and read another article.

Don’t check your email just yet.

Don’t get up to refill your water, your coffee, your tea.  Wait a moment.

Give yourself the honor of your own time.

Just a few moments, really.

So much good can come from idle time.

So much good can come from bits and pieces, small moments, the present moment.

So, don’t just do something—sit there.

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