The Art of Doing Nothing. Simple Ways to Make Time for Yourself

by Veronique & Erica Lennard (photographs) Vienne

The Art of Doing Nothing( Simple Ways to Make Time for Yourself) <> Hardcover <> VeroniqueVienne <> ClarksonPotterPublishers

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Spirituality, Health, Short Stories, Reference

Hardcover

First published August 25, 1998

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My psychiatrist told me to read this book. I used it to pass the time on a two hour plane flight, and while I thought it was pleasant enough reading material I also found it a bit cutesy?

However, I've been finding that the ideas in this book have stuck with me. I've been living in the moment a bit more than I've been wont to do. This book doesn't posit a carpe diem approach to life in the way, say, movies would have you go about it. No admonitions here claiming you should go bungee jumping or you're clearly an office drone wasting your life. Instead, living in the moment is reduced (or elevated!) to much simpler ideas; letting yourself contemplate a river going back, enjoying the peace and quiet of a nap, really tasting food as you eat it. Since reading this book I have been finding myself going about life a bit slower, and enjoying life more. Really, this book is about giving yourself a break. It sounds like the easiest thing in the world, but it often proves to be one of the most difficult.

So yeah. My counselor was right.

[Katie R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first picked this up I thought: 'is this book for real?' But I got it anyway, as it amounted to being less than 25 cents.

This is a simple book for people who want to make their lives more simple. I am one of those people. In all honesty, stress and anxiety hit me more than it should. I try, I really do. This book was a push to try harder.

I'm going to try and get into yoga when I get back to school, and swim regularly. Exercise is always recommended (confirmed in this book) and is something 'easy' to start.

I'm glad I picked this up-- hopefully I do what I say I will-- Lord knows I need to.

[Kelly]

"A mysterious reflex, yawning seems to be connected with health: people who are acutely ill or severely psychotic hardly ever feel the need to wrench their faces open."

"Make believe it's Friday afternoon- just for a few minutes."

"Make room for mystery."

"The precious minutes, hours, or days we invest anticipating an event - the return of a friend, the birth of a child, the purchase of a house, the last chapter of a book - make everything more memorable. Take the time to wait. In doing so you are manufacturing the stuff of your souveniers. Dwaddle in the present tense. Give your future self a past to remember."

Watch a sunset as the earth rising.

To be enlightened is to know oneself and not run away.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely, weird little book, and I look forward to reading it again.

[Lucie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book filled with gentle reminders to slow down and not take life too seriously.

“For a child, doing nothing doesn’t mean being inactive, it means doing some thing that doesn’t have a name.”

[Elizabeth Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely little read 😍

[Jigme505 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You can change the way you feel about waiting simply by using the correct tense when you are stuck in a situation. No, your plane is not leaving in five hours - it will leave in five hours. Give yourself five hours of free time rather than five hours of waiting for your flight to depart” ~

This phrase struck a chord with me and I realized that a simple switch of attitude can make all the difference in how we feel about a situation. The book is definitely what I hoped it would be - a reminder to pause and take time to observe and evaluate ourselves.

[Bonnie Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely coffee table or waiting room book, which gives you permission to partake in the forgotten art of doing nothing. Remember how much time we spent doing nothing as children? This book would make a nice retirement gift.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter is entitled, The Art of Procratinating: In the Footsteps of Thoreau. I've been meaning to read this brief book, an extended essay with short chapters breathing, meditating, walking, napping, etc. One might think I have the first chapter down, but it's about intentional procrastination -- not neurotic procrastination. And here's a secret that you may have guessed: the book is not really about doing nothing, it's about making time to recharge, regenerate, relax and refresh.

I am a big fan of the concept, and am very poor at execution. Mindfulness is the thing of the moment. I'm all for this kind of self exploration and self help book. Erica Lennards photographs are quite lovely as well. Stop rushing around. Take an hour. Read The Art of Doing Nothing.

[Courtney]

I’m going to leave this one unrated as it was largely not for me. It feels very much like a product of its time (the late 90’s) and if it had been written today it would probably warn against hustle culture and social media.

I did like the photography and the line “The English describe a gentleman as someone who can play the bagpipes — but doesn’t” made me laugh and say ‘of course they do — they’re English’.

[Phair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given by a friend. Really enjoyed this quickly read little book. Very sensible advice on relaxation, meditation and being in the moment. Good hints and instruction for practical application as well as more philosophical and scientific discourse, Some nice humor, too. Just what I needed as mid winter takes its toll on my psyche.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. If Marie Kondo was born a French woman, she would've written this book. It subtly connects zen techniques with Parisian influence. The author is presenting advice, yet it feels like you are reading soft, flowing poetry as she introduces concepts that are so simple along side beautiful photography. One of my favorites!

[Matt Mazenauer · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF I think this is satire of self help masquerading as self help

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is this cute shop by where I used to live that always has the best softest jazz and specializes in creating a cozy atmosphere with beautiful stationary, greeting cards, art and coffee books and all sort of great smelling lotion and bath salts (Tabula Rasa for those familiar with Salt Lake).
It was while wondering around there that I found this small book and, while I knew that I was likely reacting more to the atmosphere of the store than to the book, I bought it on a whim. I have to say that after reading it, the book was a perfect fit for that store and for the feeling that it always evokes in me.
With chapter titles like “On yawning”, “On napping” or “On bathing”, Vienne really let the reader allow themselves a break from the hectic pace of modern life. While no earth-shattering insights are provided the easy going ambiance of the book was perfect for its message of relaxation and recuperation.
With enough gorgeous photographs by Erica Lennard to qualify as a picture book, Vienne crafts the perfect, slightly humorous, tone to really explore the moments of silence that we stop noticing after the age of 5. It was just such a tiny gem that it really warmed my heart and can’t imagine it not doing the same for everyone else.

[Tristan Price · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can I be so real right now? I am so tired of these styles of book like I’m not sure what else to expect anymore. I am driving myself crazy. I don’t know if I just have the wherewithal to just do these tasks on my own, but I guess some people need to read and interpret for themselves. I have long been one to read mindfulness books and self-improvement studies so perhaps I am no longer the target audience for books like this. In addition, someone in their review mentioned that their therapist? recommended the book to them. I am not here to throw shade at anyone, especially because therapy is a great practice that I am also maintaining in my regular habits, but action items from my therapist would carry more weight than everything and anything in this book. AND I could probably get it in a fraction of the time.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather unique little book. Not a book to rush through. It's one to reflect on what you've read and then put into practice. "Doing nothing doesn't mean being inactive, it means doing something that doesn't have a name. Practice doing "nothing," whether you are busy in the kitchen, talking on the phone, or running late for an appointment. You can make time for yourself by uncluttering your mind." The author gives 10 stress-reducing techniques to savor life's simplest moments. She calls them "the art of" procrastinating, breathing, meditating, lounging, yawning, napping, bathing, tasting, listening, and waiting. Enjoy!

[Mika Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idk this book was a fever dream and I almost feel asleep reading it during team time though that may have been because I was wearing a coat in sunny weather. I like how it wants you too look in F5 giving you a whole new perspective and notice details you couldn’t have seen before. It also teaches you how to whistle but I still can’t whistle ):

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor, pour a refreshing beverage, put your feet up and spend an hour (or less) to remind yourself how important it is to make some time for yourself! This volume offers great suggestions about how to spend some quality time.

[Portia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the concept of this book, but felt it lacked practical steps to actually figure out how to do nothing (nixen). Instead, it provided lots of examples of people & mythical cultures that have figured out how to do nothing. I’m meh about it.

[Aubrey P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute quick read with great reminders to slow down

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doing nothing means taking care of yourself. No guilt, just simply being.

[கவிதா பாரதிராஜா · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening to nothing is more intriguing than listening for something. When we share secrets, we share more than words.

[Carma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great short read making me really slow down and self assess.

[Nausheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was falling asleep reading it.

[Any Length · Rating 2 out of 5]

nice little book to learn about the simple pleasure of doing nothing.

[Jerry Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

jeu d'sprit discussing doing nothing as a sport or past time. Interesting and justifiable
to take an easy approach to life

[Jenny Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this, especially the "How to watch a Sunset" on page 89

[Kylene Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and easy book to read. Lots of common sense but a good reminder to take care or our minds and bodies.

[EngIIrockz · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, but not compelling. The nuggets that helped me consider my wellness practice didn't come around often enough.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathing, whistling, meditating, bathing, listening, waiting.… If you ever needed permission to just BE, spend time with this book.