The Art of Doing Nothing : Boketto
When I started reading philosophy, I had a big issue.
What bothered me about many authors was that their philosophy was merely theoretical.
They simply debated ideas, but didn’t give their readers any keys to living a better life.
That’s not the philosopher I want to be.
That’s why I try to pass on easy, practical, active philosophies that you can use in your lives.
Today’s principle is inspired by Eastern philosophy and a Japanese word: Boketto.
Boketto is the art of gazing into the void.
Without thinking.
To pause.
To stop thinking, and just enjoy being there.
Boketto is the principle of doing nothing.
Being without trying to be.
Blending into the universe without trying to have an impact on it.
Looking at it.
Observing the sky, the shape of the clouds, the falling leaves, the beauty of a tree, the colors of a flower.
You don’t try to think.
You don’t even try to observe.
You just look.
If you have access to the sea, this practice in front of the sea will turn is special.
Sunset or sunrise is another moment when practicing Boketto will be magical.
Boketto requires only one thing: breathing.
Everything else is turned off.
Disengage from the world.
Physically present and mentally absent.
