Creating Space for Nothing - Stephanie Weese

By Stephanie Weese, CFO, MSBO Board President, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Livingston ESA

Niksen – The Danish practice of doing nothing
Dolce Far Niente – The Italian saying that means “the sweetness of doing nothing”
Boketto – The Japanese term for the art of gazing into the distance, doing nothing

We make space in our lives for everything—work, friendships, hobbies, household tasks, personal goals, children, spouses, extended family—the list goes on. But do we ever take a moment to make time for nothing?

And when I say nothing, I mean absolutely nothing. No scrolling on a device. No TV. Just nothing. What would that look and feel like to you?

More often than not, we are forced into doing nothing. We get sick, and suddenly, we have no choice. But in those moments, we aren’t embracing the art of doing nothing—we’re trying to recover, eager to return to the busyness of our lives. And the moment we feel better, we jump right back in.

So, instead of waiting for exhaustion or illness to force us into stillness, why not intentionally create space for nothing? Maybe that means scheduling it into your calendar, just as you would any other important commitment. How much time is enough? 15 minutes? 30 minutes? Maybe just a few moments here and there? If you’re more spontaneous, you can seize those small, unexpected opportunities throughout your day.

For me, creating space for nothing feels calming. The first time I remember doing it, it wasn’t planned — I was just sitting quietly, looking out the window, enjoying a cup of tea. My daughter walked in, looked concerned, and asked what I was doing. When I told her, she seemed confused. “Why isn’t the TV on? Did something bad happen?”

I laughed and reassured her that everything was fine. I was just enjoying the quiet. She didn’t entirely understand, but she accepted it and went on with her day. And in that short time, I felt clearer, lighter, and refreshed. The constant push of the day had eased, and I was simply present.

When I looked up “the art of doing nothing,” I was surprised to find entire books dedicated to it! So, if this idea intrigues you, maybe grab a book on the topic. Or, if you want to immerse yourself in the practice, take a trip to Japan, Italy, or the Netherlands!

One final thought: Doing nothing is not being lazy. I was raised to believe that staying busy was essential, but our bodies and minds need downtime. So, let’s start making space for nothing—without guilt.

Creating Space for Nothing – Stephanie Weese

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