I had great plans for this weekend, I really did. I was going to finish sewing a dress to usher in spring, test a few Wii games for afterschool programs, work in the yard, work on a side project, and get way ahead in my blogging. Big plans.  What did I really do? I did weed the yard, and then I spent the remainder of Sunday laying out in my grubby garden clothes, just enjoying the view. And it was fantastic.

I don’t think I’ve had a better reminder of the power of laziness than my afternoon in the sun (slathered in sunblock, of course).  In a matter of minutes, I transformed from exhausted and cranky to relaxed and happy. What was the trick? Allowing myself to be lazy and letting everything else on imaginary docket go.  By forgetting to focus, I found my own form of meditation in the subtle breeze, the soft setting sun, and the background buzz of suburban life.

Lazy Afternoon

I’d actually like to rethink the word “lazy.” Doing nothing in particular is associated with laziness, and laziness is associated with being a useless creep.  But doing nothing actually has a quite a few benefits:

Your body recharges

Your brain recharges

Your mood potentially lifts

Your blood pressure potentially drops

You can find time for gratitude and reflection

Far from useless and creepy, right?   So as we each work on personal growth and chasing down our dreams, let’s not forget the power of “laziness.”  Taking time out from our pre-scheduled, predetermined paths is when life—the good stuff—really happens.

Creative Commons Photo courtesy of Hillary the mammal.

And if you’re looking for some good reads, you might check out:

How to Live Life at Marc and Angel Hack Life

7 Ideas for Expanding Your Creativity and Comfort Zone at My Super Charged Life

The Three Most Influential Lessons My Parents Taught Me at Frugal Dad

Last Minute Tax Questions at My Dollar Plan (Those of you who filed for extensions, I’m looking at you!)

Denial Isn’t a River in Egypt at The Wisdom Journal

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