Sometimes I have so much to say that I scare myself on just how much I can talk. And other times, not so much. About every four weeks, I am given the opportunity to write the weekly blog post for MenLiving, an opportunity that I truly relish. In the four or five I’ve already written, the words have flowed pretty smoothly and freely. Unfortunately, this week, for whatever reason, I have a bit of what I imagine professional writers call “writer’s block”. So should I force something? Will people reading this judge me because I don’t have much to say? How many people actually read this anyways? Will I be banned from writing future blogs here?
I’m sure with some deeper thought, I could come up with a poignant topic to wax poetic on. However, as I’m working on being more present and in the moment, sometimes I just don’t have the energy or mental capacity to delve deeply into a subject matter. In today’s highly polarized political and cultural landscape, it seems to me that everyone is expected to have a strong opinion or thoughts on everything. What do you think of the country’s need for a third party candidate? What are your thoughts on Princess Kate and “Photogate”? How about immigration and our southern border? I don’t know!!
One of my favorite old shows was the iconic “Seinfeld” from back in the 90’s. I mean, they literally based an entire show on nothing. So maybe I can transfer the success of nothingness on Seinfeld to now the nothingness of the MenLiving weekly blog. Maybe this will be the start of a new trend, wherein all the other bloggers will define their version of nothing. Or maybe this will just be a moment in time wherein I didn’t have a good idea or topic to write on. Do we have to have an opinion on everything? Is it ok to just have a Larry David-like response to an issue and say “meh”? Well that’s how I’m feeling today. It may change tomorrow or in an hour, but my feelings of “meh” are pervasive. And that’s ok! Am I going to disappoint someone? Will Todd ask me to stop writing blogs? Will some men shame me in the comment section? I know the answer to these questions is a resounding NO. No one will be disappointed, Todd will continue to support me, and I know any man who reads this and comments will do it with love, compassion and tenderness. Because that’s how we roll in MenLiving. We strive to accept people where they are, and to support them on their journey, wherever that may take them.
So there you go. A blog about nothing. Approximately 625 words of blank thoughts from a man tasked with providing you some keen insight or thoughts on something. Jerry would be proud. If you ARE in fact disappointed, then I can promise you this; you’ll hear from me again in approximately four weeks. You can trust in me that if I do have any strong thoughts on something, I will be sure to express them here. In the meantime, enjoy sitting with me, even if it’s only for a few minutes, in a state of nothingness, thoughts running in and out of my head, but with a sense of calmness and centeredness. No, I’m not meditating at this very moment, but to be completely transparent, I’m feeling quite meditative. I don’t feel reactionary, don’t feel pulled to force my opinions on something. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling complete. And I’m feeling nothing. Good or bad, I know that will change.
Glad to be with you Jason in your nothingness.
Spot on, Jason. Does everything always have to be something? You said it, nope!
Love it. Well said!
Loved it.
https://youtu.be/sXYWZhN8Yks?si=tge8OCLZYzi4zvc_
Thank you Jason! Spot on my friend. I have found myself imposing guilt onto myself, in my past, for not “doing” or not “chiming in”, or not “what-ever-ing” in my past. I am now able to, thoroughly enjoy some nothingness time; it’s fantastic! And, I love that there are other intelligent men already there, welcoming me in that space. That’s awesome; thank you Jason.