The Fine Art of Doing Nothing
Arlene Decker
It is approaching five o’clock and what was a beautiful afternoon slowly turns into a beautiful dusk. Picture the sky morphing from dark, clear blue into pale shades of lilac, dusty rose and cream. It has been the kind of day to get out of the house, celebrate the first days of spring, and make the most of the sunshine. A day for strolling through London appreciating the effect good weather has on the sometimes dour London population.
So what did I do today?
I tried to get myself to go outdoors. I made plans to go into town; I tried to meet my husband somewhere for lunch; I even tried phoning my best friend to see if she wanted to do something to enjoy the day. Alas, despite the fact that she never works, she was working.
I succumbed to the summons of the interior. I made pancakes. I sat on the couch watching TV and surfing the internet. I changed from my pyjamas into a pair of sweatpants.
And do you know what?
It was marvelous!
But you didn’t enjoy the unseasonal weather! You didn’t stroll through the park relishing the sun’s rays! You didn’t sit on a terrace indulging in a glass of white wine with a scarf and a sweater on pretending you were in southern Italy without a scarf or a sweater on! Alas, your entreaties fall on deaf ears my friends, for I did enjoy the beautiful day.
I enjoyed the sunshine with a cup of coffee and a newspaper from behind my double-glazed windows. I enjoyed seeing the birds taking advantage of the clear skies, with zero chance of bird-related mishaps. I even enjoyed the fresh air as it filled my little kitchen, ridding it of the bacon smell. To say I did not enjoy the beautiful day is a complete fallacy. In fact, I could argue I enjoyed the beautiful day even more than you park-relishers and pseudo-Italian-wine-drinkers. How is this possible?
Many people enjoy doing nothing. I include myself in that bracket. But to do nothing knowing most are making the extra effort to do something feels truly self-indulgent—almost rebellious! Like a crew of lazy pirates, overthrowing their lazy captain in order to be even lazier. Yes, the ultimate twist in guilty pleasures.
So the next time it’s a beautiful day outside, try enjoying it from the inside.
You don't know what you're missing!