This morning my mind was ping-ponging all the things I wanted to get done, have to get done. I was feeling frustrated and anxious. Not a great way to start the day. So, I did something for myself. I sat down and read a few pages in SLOWING DOWN TO THE SPEED OF JOY by Matthew Kelly. In just a few minutes I had some new insights to ponder.
Kelly says it’s a lot easier to be busy, stay busy, always be doing instead of allowing ourselves to experience leisure. Hmm. What is leisure? He describes it as doing something just for the joy of it.
I took his challenge to sit quietly for 5 minutes to experience complete leisure. Five minutes of doing nothing but looking out the window at the trees, the birds, the sky. The beauty of nature is captivating. I said a few prayers. I was feeling calmer.
The 5-minute timer on my phone did the trick. I didn’t want to keep watching the clock. I admit I turned over my phone and checked the timer at 3:56 and was glad I had a minute left. When it buzzed, I felt calmer. Ready to tackle what’s needed with a fresher mindset.
Can you do 5 minutes of nothing but something you enjoy? Go ahead and set your timer. You may be surprised at what it does for you.
