Do nothing

This is in keeping with the Taoist dictum -

"The Master does nothing, yet nothing remains undone."
--Lao Tzu

This flips the American admonition, "Don't just stand there, do something!" on its head. The Taoist way is more like, "Don't just do something, stand there!"

Activity or effort does not automatically equal contribution. Time spent in contemplation, figuring out what's really important in life with respect to work, job, family - is time well-spent. I utilize what I call a regret-minimization framework or "a corpse-eye view" - viewing my life from the vantage point of lying in a coffin, to help me figure out what's important. I've realized the value of breaks and sabbaticals as opportunities for reviewing/clarifying life goals.

Frankly, most activity in life just seems positively absurd and ridiculous. For example, all the time spent processing - home repairs, laundry, email inboxtransacting - banking, accounting - consuming - shopping as a pastime and waiting - being stuck in traffic, standing in line.

I have made a conscious attempt to reduce and/or eliminate the aforementioned activities, and use the time saved to do nothing (or more loving!). I must say it has been extremely rejuvenating.

People who follow the Tao do not desire excess to be full.
People who do not desire excess have unseen energy that constantly invigorates.
- from the Tao te Ching