Lying Down On the Grass, Doing Nothing

Sometimes, lying gown on the grass and simply doing nothing is the best thing you could do to yourself.  

Do you ever do that–take the time off and just chill, without feeling any need to do something “useful”, forgetting about all the things that you haven't crossed off your to-do list, emptying the head from expectancies and simply soaking in the nature around you?

The last time I did it was this weekend, at it was nothing short of relaxing. If you can't remember when was the time last you took time for simply being and doing nothing, you should keep reading.

Back To Earthing

Saturday was an easy slow day for me. No workout, because I was still recovering from the flu. But the weather was too nice not to go outside and it was perfect for soaking up some sun. My husband loves archery, so we rented the equipment, brought some snacks and made our way to Golden Gate park in San Francisco.

When we made it to the park, I lied down on the grass and stayed there for… Yeah, I don't even know for how long. It just felt so good.

I realized that it has been way too long since I had been practiced earthing! I used to do that all the time when the weather was still nice: being in touch with the ground, either when working out, walking or simply sitting on the grass. I realized how I had missed it.

Earthing is an awesome way to de-stress and even alleviate some aches and pains. There have been studies that show that 30 minutes of being in contact with the ground, preferably skin-to-skin, reduces headaches, helps to fall asleep better at night and even alleviates stress and anxiety. Pretty powerful for free stuff, isn't it?

Sometimes lying down on the grass, simply being, is the best thing you can do for your physical and mental health.

How Earthing Works For Me

While for some people may think that earthing is bull, I can assure that I absolutely feel how being outside and doing nothing makes me feel better. Let me explain how:

• It helps me to put things into perspective. Sometimes I catch myself complaining about simple things or worry about minor things too much. We all do that, but at some point it may get so bad that all that complaining and worrying starts to negatively affect our thoughts. When I take a moment to sit down and be with my thoughts, all of a sudden, the big concerns don't seem that big anymore. I realize that my life is pretty darn good and it's unfair to complain about little things.
• It's a great way to stop thinking too much. When you are stuck with your own thoughts and feel like no matter what you try, your mind won't stop racing around the same problems, taking some time off to be in the nature doing nothing can make a difference. There is so much more to look, smell and explore outside that you may be able to forget about whatever was worrying you.
• Other times, it may be a perfect way to figure some things out. While being in nature may be perfect for giving yourself much needed break from your own thoughts, it can also work the other way. Nature is inspiring and your mind feels super free when you allow it to do nothing, so you may come up with a solution to something that has been bothering you for a long time.
• It's healthy. Just like said before, being in contact with ground can make you healthier. If you have troubles with sleeping or you are having chronic aches and pains, try lying or sitting down on the ground regularly.
• It works immediately. It honestly takes me less than ten minutes of being in the sun and in contact with earth to feel the difference in my mood. I may have gone out feeling depressed, mad or anxious, but it changes pretty much as soon as I get outside and touch the ground. I swear, I had a big smile on my face pretty much all day on Saturday during and after the much needed nature time.
• It's perfect for people watching. I totally do that–I people watch! Not in a judgmental way, not like the “I wish I looked like that” kind of way, not at all. Simply observing 🙂 There is something so relaxing about that. Also when I'm traveling, I love to take time for people watching while sipping my tea or wine. I love museums and sights, but sometimes people watch is even better 🙂

Permission to Let Go

For some people, it may be hard to simply let go and do nothing even for an hour, let alone several hours. There's a whole list of things to do, how are you supposed to find time for just hanging out and doing nothing?

I think it all comes down to realizing that it is actually useful for you. I guarantee that your mood will be so much better after a little me-time in nature, doing nothing. Also your family and friends are happier when you are happier.

To actually enjoy doing nothing, you will need to give yourself a permission to do so. No guilt for not doing laundry or cleaning the house. It won't work if you are constantly thinking about things that you should be doing instead.

It's Actually Meditation

There are so much misunderstanding around meditation. One of them is that you can meditate only by sitting down in a certain pose for a full hour, not moving and desperately trying not to think about anything. When you are not doing that, you are not meditating.

That's not true.

Meditation can mean different things for different people. It doesn't matter how you do it–if you have found your way that is relaxing and enjoyable for you, do that. For me, just being outside, not having anything special planned, just noticing things around me that I don't always notice, is meditative.

Conclusion

You don't have to be constantly doing all the things, checking things off the to-do list and take care of everybody. Take some time to take care about yourself. Go outside, have absolutely no goal and seriously, kill some time like this for couple of hours. I'm pretty sure you'll like it and you turn home healthier and happier.

What is your meditation?