On a practical level, we can begin to create downtime in small ways. For example, we can take five minutes every day to consciously resist the urge to give our minds something to chew on. When our minds tell us it’s time to play a game, email a friend, research a vacation, figure out a work problem, or write a to-do list, we can just say, “No, not now.” Although the mind will always search for something to attend to, we can practice being aware without having to direct our awareness at something. Try it in short stretches and notice what unfolds, whether you feel different. Or, similarly, take
...more
