There are two different philosophies of what to do on vocation [Freudian slip, as you noticed: I meant “vacation”]. My approach has always been to see things, do things, learn things, rushing from one fun activity to another. My wife’s approach is to do nothing, to relax, rest, and just shut down all systems. I now understand that my wife is right.
I find myself right now in South Carolina at the beach. (I have a meeting this week in Charleston, so my wife and I drove down a little early to spend the weekend here.) I have been lying on a beach chair, staring out at the Atlantic ocean, the water lapping my feet as warm as broth and the waves creating the perfect white noise. I’ve been reading Lars Walker’s new novel (more on that later, but it’s really enjoyable), a cold drink in my hand. And the sea breeze! Part of the air blowing on me is warm and part of the air is cool. (Is it always like this, or just this time of year in South Carolina?) I’m not thinking about my work or writing projects or fretting about the state of the world. This is what doing nothing without feeling bored feels like! I never knew!
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