THE ART OF DOING NOTHING

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, less is often more writes Domhnall O’Donoghue 

A friend recently asked me what my resolutions for the year ahead were. When I boldly declared, “nothing”, he looked at me askance - this was not the reply he was expecting from someone famed for making plans and setting goals.

“Nothing?”

“Yes, nothing.”

And, here’s why. 

How many of us feel the pressure to be constantly doing something in our professional and personal lives? “So what are you up to?” we ask each other at every chance - reinforcing the belief that we should always be productive. 

I don't think I've ever entertained the idea of replying to such a question with, “nothing”. Worse again, I don’t think I’ve ever permitted myself to do nothing. 

Until now.

For some reason, it seems to me that the Western world has decided that being “busy” should be the default setting for our lives while the dreaded “doing nothing” response has become a shorthand for being inefficient or lazy. 

I think it’s high time we changed that narrative. 

Writing for renowned wellbeing website Chopra, educator Rachelle Williams correctly argues that society has now shifted towards prioritising hyper-productivity - and should there be time left unfilled during the day, “there is always an urge to fill it” with some activity or chore.

She reveals: “Having periods of time with little activity has always been a part of life - accepted and enjoyed by your ancestors in a way that has been long forgotten.”

Contrary to popular opinion, being too busy can be counterproductive. 

“Think of a washing machine that is crammed with too many clothes,” Rachelle suggests. “Not much actual washing takes place because there is not enough space to move and churn. 

“This same concept applies to life in general; you can use a little more space to help connect to the pulse of life and enjoy the pleasures it has to offer, no matter how small.”

When I lived with my partner’s family in Venice some years ago, I discovered a fantastic Italian expression: il dolce far niente - the sweetness of doing nothing - an inspiring concept that promotes the pleasures and benefits of relaxing and being idle.

However, this is a more nuanced and active type of “doing nothing”. It’s far more rewarding than lying around on the sofa, say, wading through endless content on social media that, ultimately, leaves our brains too stimulated and overwhelmed to truly connect with anything. 

In Italy, “doing nothing” might be enjoying a glass of prosecco or espresso in St Mark’s Square while watching the world go by; here, in Ireland, we might choose to take a bath, read a book or listen to some music. Meditating, practising yoga or taking a walk in nature are other excellent options.

Rachelle explains: “People have such a hard time relaxing and enjoying moments of nothingness. Doing nothing is a skill you may have lost touch with but can be reacquired with a bit of practice. 

“The potential is there within you (you had it as a kid) - so give yourself permission to at least give it a try.” 

How much fuller would our lives be if we drowned out all that noise, convincing us to be overly productive - and instead, we made time to experience il dolce far niente? 

What would happen if we allowed nothingness into our daily schedule, rather than waiting for those windows where we traditionally give ourselves permission to unwind - like Sundays or summer holidays?

What would happen if, every day, we pressed pause on the chaos of our lives and took a breath? It would help us recharge, release and be in the moment - all of which would, undoubtedly, improve and enrich other aspects of our lives.

By practising il dolce far niente, Rachelle promises that you will achieve “a sense of connection - not only to each other but with yourself.”

She adds: “As a result, you end up gaining greater clarity about what is important to you at your core.”

So, dear reader, I hope you will join me in the year ahead and allocate some time to do a little nothing every day. I’m sure that we might initially find it challenging adjusting to a lack of activity. So, let’s start slowly - a few moments at a time - and then build until we master the art of doing nothing.

If il dolce far niente is good enough for the Italians, it should be good enough for the Irish, too!