I have often said the sole cause of mans unhappiness is that he does not know how to sit quietly in his room.
– Blaise Pascal
When was the last time you treated yourself to a break from technology and allowed yourself to observe the real world around you? It’s been ages since I treated myself to that wonderful escape – just sitting on the grass, completely lost in the mesmerizing world of ants for hours. No annoying notifications, no interruptions, just pure bliss and tranquility.
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, we are constantly bombarded with information, tasks, and the pressure to be productive. The rise of the Do Something Syndrome has left many individuals feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from themselves and the world around them. In our quest to constantly be doing something, we often fail to embrace the beauty of stillness and learn from the sheer simplicity of nature.
The omnipresence of screens in our daily lives has only amplified this syndrome. Whether it’s checking emails, scrolling through social media, or binge-watching our favorite shows, we are constantly tethered to our digital devices. However, it is imperative that we occasionally disconnect and immerse ourselves in the real world, and trust me, it is beautiful.
Taking a break from screens and embracing nature can offer us a much-needed respite from the chaos of everyday life. Stepping outside, feeling the grass beneath our feet, and reveling in the natural beauty that surrounds us can have profound effects on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It is in nature that we can find solace, clarity, and a sense of grounding that we often crave. For the past 2 years, I’ve restricted myself to very limited screen time and moreover, random content consumption.
Results:
1. I sleep better.
2. My anxiety and stress levels are drastically reduced.
3. I make better decisions and thus, my meaningful productivity has increased many folds.
The ability to do nothing is indeed a superpower in today’s hyperactive society. It is a skill as rare and precious as the art of meditation. As the renowned mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal once said, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” By learning to embrace stillness and engage with the present moment, we can heal ourselves and cultivate a deeper connection with the world around us.
So, if you are reading this, challenge yourself to put down your screens today, take a walk in the park, touch the grass, hike in the woods, or simply sit in quiet contemplation. Let us break free from the clutches of the constant need to do something meaningless and justify it as being productive. Today, enjoy savoring each bite of your food without distractions. Let yourself truly taste the flavors, feel the textures, and indulge in the pure satisfaction of the moment. Reconnect with the power of genuine conversations with people around you.
Strike a conversion and listen more to them without the constant urge to check your phone, cherish the laughter that rings from deep within, and form authentic connections free from the slavery of constant notifications that are stealing your joy in exchange for constant anxiety and stress. Robbing you of your life while you’re still breathing.
Embrace it. Be mindful. Engage with the world around you. Find solace in the pure delight of simplicity before it is too late…
Build Better,
Pratik.