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August 2010 - Catalyst! newsletter
from Sue Cowan Coaching
Issue 9
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| A note from Sue
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Hello!,
I have a ritual that marks the end of summer. Last weekend I enjoyed my now annual "end-of-summer" picnic with a few friends, along the banks of the river just a few minutes from home. Usually I get the timing just about right- shortly afterwards there is a marked change in the weather and we are left with fond memories of the joys of the summer that has been.
Along with spending lots of time outdoors, amongst these joys is having a break/ going on holiday/ taking a vacation.
 Whether it's a larger adventure to more distant shores (this is one of my favourite photos- taken during the few days of rest after the Kilimanjaro climb 2 years ago!) or just break for a day or two close home......the results can be the same.
For me, it's all about having fun, taking a break from routine, a change of pace and environment...
Refreshing my perspectives, creating and enhancing relationships, new experiences.
And, of course, coming back focused, with new ideas and with batteries recharged.
I hope you are ending your summer similarly refreshed and renewed!
Need some extra refreshment and renewal? - check out the article and try using your "idle time" to do nothing....
Sue
You can email me at sue@suecowancoaching.com
phone me on (+41) 076 2055 076 (mobile)or visit my website www.suecowancoaching.comwhere you can also read past editions of this newsletter via the archive. |
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Idle Time
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"A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare."
- William Henry Davies
Just as you're about to go out the door to your doctor's appointment, you receive a phone call saying the doctor has been called out on an emergency and your appointment has to be rescheduled.
Congratulations! You are the winner of an unexpected free hour!
What will you do with your winnings?
Check your emails? Pay some bills? Return some phone calls? Catch up with that to-do list?
How about doing nothing?
If you are like many of us today, the thought of doing absolutely nothing for an entire hour seems as wasteful as binning a whole week's worth of groceries. Indeed, free time with nothing to do can generate near panic among some of us who are overloaded and time-starved.
It seems we have a complex about busyness; most of us could find a few minutes each day to devote to some form of simple relaxation but we convince ourselves that we don't.
And yet, the busier we are the more we need to replenish ourselves. How hard it can sometimes be to get some time just to ourselves!
On some level, we know how important this downtime is. It helps us see more clearly, hear more keenly, we're more inspired, we discover what makes us feel alive. But claiming time to ourselves - time that's often labeled "unproductive" - and sticking to it can be difficult. We need to establish formal boundaries around our idle time to ensure that others - and we, ourselves - honour this time.
You may need to:
- Plan ahead- you may need to block out the time in your diary or calendar.
- Let people know that you will be unavailable.
- Stand firm. Say "no" to others; you can say "yes" soon, but now is your time.
- Be clear about your needs. Rather than "I need more time to myself", be specific about what it is you will do (for example, "I will spend 10 minutes by myself in the morning before everyone gets up")
- Eliminate all distractions- turn off phones, all gadgets! You may want to try setting an alarm, though, if you want to limit your "doing nothing" time
- Be on the lookout for stolen moments.... and use them to do nothing in particular. Sit; and watch; and listen.
- Clear your mind, try to simply let all the thoughts go. (not as easy as it sounds- can take a lot of dedicated practice- more than just a few minutes of free time! But don't let that put you off trying.)
- Practice doing nothing. "Doing nothing" is an art, and like all art you need to practice it to reach your highest potential!
Of course, how we define "idle time" varies by individual. For one person, gardening may be meditative downtime, whereas for another it is one more item on the to-do list, to be done as quickly as possible. The local woods may be a great place for a contemplative stroll for one person, an opportunity to be at one with nature; for another it's the place for a power walk while dictating into the digital recorder.
Do something that has no purpose other than joy...Take some time to surprise and delight yourself.
Keep it simple, and keep it consistent. If your idle time becomes progress toward some productive goal, begin again.....
It can be stunning, how simple it is.
( Click here to read the full poem: "Leisure" by W.H. Davies)
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Quote of the Month
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"It is only with the heart that one can see clearly;
what is essential is invisible to the eye"
(Antoine de Saint-Exup�ry)
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Video - Bobby McFerrin and neuroscience
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This video really has nothing to do with the article. But I thought of this clip sent by a friend some time ago (thanks, Tony!) as I sat by the river, doing nothing... I spotted a pair of butterflies dancing an exquisite dance as each followed the movements of the other precisely and with perfect timing (how do they manage to not collide?).
Watch here how one leads and the audience follows....
The clip is from the World Science Festival 2009. Bobby McFerrin (musician) is on stage with some scientists discussing - and demonstrating - the interactions of brain, emotions and music.
Click here to view (3 mins)
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The 5th Expat-Expo in Geneva on October 10th
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 I will be at the Expat-Expo again this year. If you are in the Geneva area, do come and say hello at Stand D8. I will be having my usual prize book draw (you choose which one!) - if you want to add a suggested title please send me an email! What is the Expat Expo? It's an exhibition for English-speaking clubs, associations, businesses and services. Not just for expats, it's the exhibition by, for and about English-speaking Switzerland. If you are local, hope to see you there!The 5th Expat-Expo in GenevaSunday October 10th 2010, 11.00- 17.00Palexpo Hall 7.For maps, a plan of Palexpo, and public transport details, go to the Expat-Expo website |
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About Sue Cowan Coaching
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If you are curious to know more about what I do, or about coaching in general, then why not visit my coaching website
 Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.info@suecowancoaching.comTel. (+41) 022 757 0849 Mob. (+41) 076 2055 076 www.suecowancoaching.com |
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