I start filming this week.
Ray Donovan Season 7. Thrilled to keep Stu Feldman alive.
So, of course, I want to be fully prepared for all my scenes. Inner Atomics choices made – so I can step into the creative unknown.
But there is a newer practice that I want to share with you that I have found extremely beneficial.
This practice may seem odd because, well, we live in a culture of DOING – getting things done – achieving. We’re always seeking the latest tool to generate the biggest success.
We read all the books about productivity – overcoming obstacles – all with the intention to make our dreams come true.
The interesting thing is…
When I ask groups of people WHY they’re working so hard, stressing so much, pushing that ball up the hill…
When they boil it down to what they really want – it’s quite simple…
FREEDOM.
A feeling that they’ve arrived. The fruits of their labors have paid off. They can sit back and take a deep breath. With no guilt. They can relish in their life.
I can relate.
And that is why this practice, or tool, I’m going to share with you, is so important.
I’ve been assigning this practice to the actors and entrepreneurs in CI. With great results. But, it’s a most unusual homework assignment. Ready?
Do nothing.
Yup. Sit somewhere. Hang out. No mechanical devices. No Aperol Spritzes (maybe after). And just do NOTHING.
Look around. See what’s there. Breathing is always a pretty good thing to do. Other than that, catch when your mind starts ramping up and just drop it. Because your assignment is to do nothing.
Just hang out.
Maybe this sounds ridic. “I have so much to get done.”
But, trust me, this is a profound practice.
Just sit. If there is a true impulse to do something – OK – do it until the impulse is over. Like take a little walk. Then just sit again. Look around. That’s it.
I’m strongly suggesting you do this for 30 consecutive minutes this week.
And write down your experience below.
I’m curious what this is gonna like be for you.
And, guess what – yes – this will ultimately create a more efficient, alive, and productive you.
Sometimes we need to STOP so we can restart.
Give it a try and let us know, below, how it goes.
Have a delicious day.
Love the simplicity of this assignment. Just gave myself a 3 month Netflix break so this fits right in. Thanks!
That’s so perfect! Let us know what your experience is after 3 months – or before!
-Josh
Good morning. Im definitely gonna give this a shot. I have a little backyard and I can just chill a few minutes. I’ll let you know how it goes. Congratulations again with Ray D. Enjoy this Gorgeousness of a day
Josh
A backyard is perfect. Definitely let us know how it goes. And thanks re: Ray D.
Best
Josh
Fuck yes. I have been giving myself permission lately to have moments where I’m not striving, not excelling, not producing. And guess what! Things are flowing so much better and the things I was striving for are falling into my lap. Oh the paradox. You’ve got your finger on the pulse of the universe, my dear. At least the universe I’m in at the moment.
It’s awesome right? It takes bravery and commitment – so I commend you. Striving tends to just create more striving. Keep exploring!
-Josh
Yes, totally profound practice! I’ve been doing this on and off for a few months… It gives me more energy and creativity. Oh yes and sanity. Always a bonus. Great reminder that I should do this right now! Thank you! 🌟
YEAAAA Colette!
Do it now.
And now.
And now.
Rock on.
-Josh
If I start getting super busy I know for sure to stop and do nothing for at least 30 mins is a must. When I do stop I feel better for it, my decisions after are wiser and I get more done with greater clarity. Do nothing – best advise ever !
You’re awesome Savannah.
And thank you.
Hope to see you in another workshop soon.
-Josh
So grateful this came into my inbox! So often I’m trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can through multi-tasking: a podcast while running, an audiobook while cooking dinner, etc. Thank you for this gentle reminder that doing nothing is sometimes the most powerful thing you can do!
-Carly
You’re so welcome, Carly.
Yea – so much of modern world is designed to keep us addicted to our phones and media absorption.
It takes strength to buck the tides.
Go for it!
Best
-Josh
I meditate
Does that count?
I hope so
I use the Baptiste meditation
He has 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minute sessions on youtube
Sometimes I get to the 30′, but I know for sure that I do my 5′ every morning
When I do 30′ I feel like I’ve opened a new door
OMG, I actually didn’t do anything for THIRTY minutes
But it’s awesome
Because it shows me that, even if I didn’t do anything for 30′, I still survived
And I can start over again
Fresh
Thank you, Josh!
Big hug
Meditation is awesome.
But this exercise is a little different, as it is eyes open, and hanging out in the outer world. But the results are as rich, sometimes richer, than meditation. In essence the exercise I am suggesting is another form of meditation. But it is really about NOT doing anything, including not meditating. Give it a shot.
Best
Josh
Hi Josh, Hi All,
So funny. It’s much easier to sit and do nothing when it’s an exercise. Perhaps you’ve found the cure for workaholics to chill: Have them ‘Do Nothing’ as part of getting things done. Let it be patented as ‘The Joshing’ 😀
Thanks for that invite, it was long overdue, you pulled me out from under my piles. Imagine me dragging my inner scribe away from its journal, still scribbling air words, while my Higher Self was on its mission to trick it into just being. And the trick? The Joshing.
Best, Tanya
I like it, Tanya – The Joshing. Ha.
Thanks for taking the invite!
Let u know how The Joshing unfolds for you.
-JP