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December 2, 2020

Efficiency isn’t efficient. ~ Waylon Lewis

Today, do nothing practical in your gaps between meetings.

My new book is coming out. Here’s an excerpt.

Look up. Get out. Read an old magazine. Sans phone, walk your dog a few blocks farther than normal. Enjoy. You’ll find your mind relax and your heart remember joy. You’ll be better at work and relationships.

Efficiency isn’t efficient. It’s speedy. Speediness is the cousin to frustration, sister to aggression, uncle to mindlessness. What’s efficient is being present—fully attending, gently yet powerfully, to whatever arises. This is not a state of perfection, but rather relaxation—a relaxation that is wakeful, borne of meditation and study, open communication and the bravery to contemplate our many daily mistakes.

Wisdom is learning from those mistakes. So when we next find a gap between meetings, or tasks, or to-dos—don’t fill it. Our mind needs space, just as a plant needs water. Our heart needs breath, just as a plant needs sunshine. When you come across a gap, protect it—push it out and open it, expand it—do not contract, fill, or “use” it.

Be willing to do nothing—this moment of nothing is the source of all insight, humor, and so-called efficiency.

 

 

[Excerpt from Waylon Lewis’ 2nd book, It’s Never too Late to Fall in Love with Your Life]

The above is an excerpt from Waylon H. Lewis’ forthcoming book, It’s Never too Late to Fall in Love with Your Life: Practical Buddhist advice for Everyday Life. It’s 108 quotes, with commentary. Pre-order it here and save $5.

His first book, the best-selling Things I would like to do with You, is also available at that link.

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