Is something better than nothing?
WE’VE ALL grown up hearing the adage that “something is better than nothing”. However, as time progresses, so should our understanding. The message behind this saying was to teach us gratitude for the little things in life. Often, we forget to appreciate what we already have in our pursuit of more. Our focus shifts to acquiring more and more, and we lose sight of the value in what we possess. This saying reminds us to be grateful for what we have, as having something is not guaranteed.
Yet, there are instances where this saying doesn’t apply. We often use it in situations where it’s not relevant and overlook its true meaning. When someone is idle, we urge them to do something because “something is better than nothing”. However, in spiritual teachings, the opposite holds truth: Nothing can be much better than something.
Why? Our lives have become a constant rush, with hardly any room for quietness. Even our moments of solitude are crowded with planning for tomorrow, screen time, window shopping, television, Sudoku, games, talking to family or friends, exercises, or finding something new to do. It is as if we are running from ourselves. This constant busyness has taken a toll on our total well-being. When the body gets exhausted, it steals quiet time from you and dozes off but our minds are over-exhausted at present and we are not providing it any rest. Quick temper, easily irritated, annoyance with small things, feeling depressed, anxiety in small scenes of life, and reacting to trivial things are symptoms of a hyperactive and restless mind.
PRACTISE DOING NOTHING
It’s crucial to recognise the importance of doing nothing, withdrawing ourselves from the addiction of always doing something or the other. Taking breaks and allowing ourselves moments of stillness is essential for mental and physical health. This doesn’t mean idleness or laziness but rather finding moments of peace amid the chaos.
It’s time to learn and practice pausing physical and mental motions. Allocating 30-60 minutes daily out of 24 hours to do nothing can have profound benefits. This time allows us to relax, recharge, and experience stillness amid the noise. It’s in these moments of nothingness that inner peace is found.
Meditation is a process where you quieten your body and mind, and do nothing, just being present. Here, in this state, we uncover answers to our questions and solutions to our problems. While something may seem better than nothing in certain contexts, there’s immense value in embracing moments of nothingness. Let’s practise the ‘art of doing nothing’ every day to nurture total well-being and enjoy the simplicity of being; Diving into the depth of self.