To MEDITATE on DOWNTIME-- orig composed May 19, 2008 10:17 PM EDT

When I feel 'idle-time' is upon me, I embrace it and try to become as unified with that part of the collective consciousness as possible. What I mean by this is that I 'go into' something very deeply. Might it be an idea, a song, a chapter in a book I am reading, or a character observation from a movie or television show. I find the melding of images valuable. I take stock of my compartmentalized memories, sometimes abstractly but always with purpose, and use those to teach me during my 'downtime' about beating stress. A time where better learning can occur sort of like an ebb out into the flow of seducing calm, chaos gurgles down the drain.

When I close myself off from the rest of the egoic reality I am so used to being embroiled in and step away, I am freer. Freer to roam in unknown places, perhaps even into other dimensions if my imagination and belief is equally strong at the time of thoughtful departure.
A past-time I find soothing during 'idle-time' is cloud watching (weather-permitting) or star gazing; each provides a feeling of complete insignificance while being significant at the same time, our existence that is so overlooked or taken for granted. It is in these times I cherish my capacity for small worth when shackled exclusively to the ego but look to the 'idle-time' that proves my true growth of great potential time and time again !

What do you like to do in your 'down-time' ? What is your favorite past-time that offers a make-over of sorts and brings on the sense of accomplishment ?