When I was in school, we had an essay titled ‘On Doing Nothing’ by J. B. Priestley. The essay discusses the author’s views on idleness : fruitful idleness. Maybe, at that time, I was too young to understand the satirical content and tone of the author. But today, when I reread the essay, I realized the truth Priestley wanted to convey in his essay about not doing anything at some point in our life. 

This also reminds me of the lines from the poem ‘Leisure’ by William Henry Davies –

‘What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
…
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night’.

These texts revisited my mind because nowadays people keep asking me – “What do you do the whole day?”

Readers who are not aware of the latest developments in my life, I want you to be informed that I have resigned from my 9-5 teaching job in June 2021. I retired from my 7-year journey as an educator. Right now, I am doing nothing.

No. Actually, I am doing at least something. To make it more precise, I am enjoying my idleness. 

Do I smell a whiff of jealousy?

On a serious note, let me share what I do for the whole day.

 I work. 

Generally, the idea of work is connected to some activity outside home. Either you are working as an employee of some firm or you have your own business or profession for which you need to be outside your cozy home. But preparing food for yourself and your family, tidying and organizing your home, binge-watching series on Netflix or Amazon Prime, pursuing your long-forgotten hobbies also fall under the category of work. Isn’t it? 

I also do something quite similar.

I practise mindfulness. My day begins with mindful exercise and meditation. I make efforts to ensure that the same attitude is continued throughout the day, be it cooking, eating, cleaning, riding my scooter, reading, anything. No doubt, at times, I fail in my efforts. But such a practice helps me to consciously stay focused on the task at hand. It has a therapeutic effect on my mental and physical health. It has kept me sane so far, even in this pandemic. 

Mindfulness also aligns with one of the philosophies of Jainism. The principle of Ahimsa. Be conscious so as not to harm even the minutest living being. For example, watch when you put your foot ahead; be careful when you chop vegetables or when you drink water or when you cook. And even when you speak. (I am not an austere practitioner of the philosophies of my religion, though.)

I listen. I have always been a good listener. In fact, people have complimented me for this art of listening. In my school days, my friends called me ‘a silent listener’. When I say listening, I mean active listening, not selective listening. When I listen to people, I just listen. I try not to be judgmental because I never know what kind of emotions that person must be going through at that point in time. 

Today, in this fast-moving life, people need someone to stop for them and listen to them. I become that stopping place for them where they can vent all their emotions and feelings with hardly some suggestions from me. At times, even their absolute silence speaks more than words. I am all ears to their silence as well. Words and no words have taught me a lot in life.

I play. In December 2020, I was inspired by my nieces. They inspired me to indulge in the art of painting, for which I am grateful to them. Colours have always appealed to me. So, last year, I decided to inscribe a few words on one of the walls of my home and fill it with colours. In the process of adding colours to the wall, my love for painting reignited. I realized how I loved and enjoyed drawing and colouring but lost touch with it because of the need to earn a livelihood. Right now, I have all the time in the world to resume painting. I have started painting to make my days as colourful and joyful as possible. I am learning step by step.

I cut and paste. I am also trying to learn some craft work. Looking at the pile of newspapers at home, I started exploring YouTube to know how I can make the best reuse of these newspapers sitting idly in the corner. Voila! I found different channels that teach how to create wonderful articles from newspapers. Learning to make things with paper is fun but, more than that, it tests your patience. I thought it’s just rolling papers and sticking them with an adhesive. But it demands time and a patient attitude. This art helps me to enhance my patience as well. 

Other than these things, I read, write, tend my plants, shop for groceries, learn new Indian recipes, listen to my Caravan, enjoy my solitude and daydream. I am also trying to improve my social skills. At the same time, I am trying to figure out what to do next in life. I have learnt to have a realistic approach towards life. I know I can’t live my entire life doing nothing. I need to earn at least to an extent to fulfil my basic needs of life. That will happen too. 

Right now, let me spend a little from what I have treasured. Let me reflect, retract and relax. 

Readers, I know many of you have more responsibilities than I have. You have a family to look after. You do not have the privilege and liberty to indulge in doing nothing. However, you may still want to spend at least an hour on things you love and enjoy. Something you always wanted to do but you never cared to find time for the same. 

So, how would you like to spend that one hour of the 24-hour day for yourself?

Nikita Jhaveri