As you move into your day, take with you the intention to notice all the moments when no specific activity demands your attention. They might be moments traveling to or from work, breaks in your working day, or a lull at the end of the day in which nothing demands your engagement.
Sense what happens in your mind and body in those moments. Be aware if you are carrying an inclination to immediately fill that space with something to occupy your attention. There may be an inclination to pick up a book, turn on the radio, make a telephone call, or search for food.
See if it is possible to restrain the immediate impulse towards busyness or distraction and to simply rest in that moment.
Initially you may find that these spaces of 'nothing to do' feel moderately uncomfortable or carry with them a sense of there being something missing. Bring your attention to your body and mind to simply explore the landscape of that sense of unease, without judging it in any way.
Reflect on how you might feel at home in stillness, in 'non-doing.'
Initially, the simplicity of stillness and 'non-doing' may reveal the complexity and busyness of your mind. Pay attention to the thought streams that arise in those moments rather than being pushed by them into new cycles of busyness.
You might experiment with adopting the lulls in your day as times when you commit yourself to stillness and simplicity. They can be moments in which you befriend your mind and body, learn to let go of some of the busyness that drives you, and discover the deep sense of ease and resting in the moment that may be available to you. Instead of focusing upon what appears to be missing, bring your attention to what is present. The capacity to connect with your mind, body, and present moment is available to you.
You may discover that your capacity to feel at ease in stillness and simplicity brings with it a greater sensitivity and awareness. Let stillness and simplicity be regular companions in each day, a source of renewal and creativity.
Take some moments to reflect upon your life and sense where it is cluttered by objects that no longer serve you well. What are you holding on to, out of anxiety, that you no longer need? Sense whether letting it go would create more spaciousness in your life.
Reflect upon what you mind most frequently dwells upon. Sense whether the spaciousness of your own mind has been undermined by preoccupations, fantasies, goals, or desires that do not contribute to your well-being. It is possible to let them go?
Reflect on your life and sense where it may be possible for you to create a greater simplicity. What would you be asked to let go of? Sense how many of the richest and deepest moments in happiness in your life have been moments of great simplicy.
Reflect on what it would mean for simplicity to be a dedicated theme in your life.
— Christina Feldman in Heart of Wisdom, Mind of Calm