I am drenched in sweat, laying on my mat and hear my yoga teacher say, “come into your final resting pose. There is nothing more to do.” These words land with a thud – I notice myself automatically questioning the notion of “nothing more to do.” This concept is in direct opposition of many of the messages that I have received from parents, teachers, employers, and society at large – there is always more to do. And as I rest, I wonder – at what cost?
For those of us in fields that serve the public, including healthcare, community-based organizations, government, emergency services, education, hospitality, retail and customer service, we live in a culture that reinforces there is always more to do. Whether it is taking on another task, learning a new skill, or going the extra mile, the work is never quite “done.” For myself, I know that it can feel like there is a perpetual “to do” list that will never actually be done. And doing more can also come with the unstated but implied message of doing better, creating a sense that even when tasks are complete that they are not quite good enough.
What would it mean to embrace a mindset that “there is nothing more to do?” Taken at face value, it can feel like giving up or falling short. What if we add two additional words? There is nothing more to do for now. What freedom comes with “for now?”
As the new year begins, I invite you to experiment with the practice of “nothing more to do.” In the quiet and stillness of winter, may you discover what lies within.
In gratitude,
Elizabeth
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We are living in a world that has an abundance of challenges and difficult conditions. We are experiencing a period of divisiveness, escalating tensions, conflicts, and mounting concerns within our nation and across the globe.
Sam is a board member of the non forprofit education training center and works in collaboration with other non for profits; Community canvases and kind fools. He organizes and promotes a hundred thousand poets for change, a poetic activism events in support of those in recovery from trauma.
Check out Sam’s work below!
Let us begin with slow mornings—the kettle sighing, light spilling across the table like water, the quiet weight of a book in our hands.
Siera is a remarkably creative visionary and storyteller committed to helping people believe in their own power, competence, and value— in life, work, and leadership.. As the Founder of The LIGHTER Society, Siera transforms narratives of trauma and loss into pathways of resilience, courage, and innovation.
Check out Siera’s work below!
As I begin my residency as a storyteller, my intention is to remind the citizens of New York that although trauma has been normalized, it is not normal.
The NYS TINRC Newsletter is produced by CCSI. The views, opinions, and content expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH).
