March 18, 2008
Get out there and do something.
Yes, that’s right. Hurry up before it,s too late. You wouldn’t want to fall behind, right? Life’s a rat race, and you’ve got to stay on top to get the cheese.
I’m sure you’ve all heard of these expressions (or something like them) before, commanding you to get off your lazy butt and do something worthwhile.
Well, I say in defiance of all that society demands - get back on your butt, stay there and relax.
I know. I’m not the one to be saying this. I’ve repeatedly written on the subject of getting active in the community in previous articles. Effort that involves turning off the tube and applying yourself vigorously to one or more activities.
Now, what I said before isn’t wrong or invalidated by my new advice. The only difference is: Get up! Go out! And relax!
Relaxing - not many of us know how to do it. What do you do to relax? Run? Walk outside? Play an instrument? Jam to music? Hang out with friends? Watch television?
Next time you want to relax, don't do any of these. Don’t worry, you can do them after you relax and probably quite a bit better once you’ve loosened up.
Instead, just flop.
Yes, I said flop.
You wonder just what "flopping" is?
Here, try it: Walk to the edge of a couch (or some seating object as equally cushy) and let go.
It’s easy; release all the tension you have pent up. Relax your body and allow yourself to sink into the couch.
Try a little bit of meditation if possible. You don’t need to think too much for this.
And as much (or as little) as your friends may poke fun at you for not having a thought in your head - blanking your mind is a much harder task than you may think.
My best advice: Don’t force it and try not to get frustrated if it doesn’t work the first few times.
Flopping, besides providing you with an outlet, is a great conversation piece. When someone asks you what your favorite pastime is, you can answer with flair, "flopping."
That, of course, will lead you through the fun experience of explaining what it is to your hypothetical friend.
Who knows? You may find out that lecturing is your favorite, relaxing hobby.
