This Side Up

Take a rest from thinking

By JOHN HOWELL
Posted 12/17/19

Sometimes you're better off not thinking. I wouldn't advise this if you're planning on passing a test, whether it is to get a drivers' license, a course or getting a job. Nor would I recommend it should you hope to impress possible future in-laws or

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This Side Up

Take a rest from thinking

Posted

Sometimes you’re better off not thinking.

I wouldn’t advise this if you’re planning on passing a test, whether it is to get a drivers’ license, a course or getting a job. Nor would I recommend it should you hope to impress possible future in-laws or holding public office, although I question whether some elected officials have ever thought to think before talking.

But this isn’t a political column – at least not today – and the observation is simply to recognize that we don’t need to be thinking all the time. As a boy and as soon as we got a TV, my parents were adamant that I was watching too much of it. There wasn’t the selection we have today, in fact, I believe we were limited to three channels, but I found it fascinating no matter what was on. While they didn’t say it, I believe my parents thought it was addictive and urged me to do more reading or go outside and play.

Today I hear parents lament over screen time and how their kids can’t live without their cell phones. This is not to suggest you’re not thinking while glued to the tube, aimlessly browsing the internet or entertained by the posting of friends – and for that matter complete strangers – on social media. Indeed, it’s entertainment and thought provoking on occasions.

Yet, do we need to always be thinking? I think not.

Of course, we tune out when we go to sleep although dreams can frequently be engaging and cause to wonder what your mind is doing when on its own.

No, I’m thinking of those activities we perform day in and day out without conscientious attention. Turning on the shower, getting dressed, making coffee and countless other activities throughout the day are not exactly thoughtless, but surely don’t require great mental capacity.

I find the same of exercise. In my case it’s rowing, provided the bay isn’t too rough or it’s a downpour, too foggy, too cold or too snowy. I imagine joggers and cyclists face similar restrictions. Naturally, I could join a gym and find the equipment that would provide the same routine. But, no, that’s perhaps too mindless and, besides, a different experience all together.

For me the water and the row can be a challenge, a time to sharpen the senses to the environment and respond appropriately if you’re going to stay dry. Fortunately, far more frequently it’s a time to let your body do what it knows to do and to take in the beauty of a new day. It’s not thinking. It’s like being in drive and not having to change gears, enjoying being alive. And why ruin a good morning with thinking?

I found myself reflecting on this Sunday morning.

Saturday night, Carol and I stopped in at a neighbors’ home for what has become an annual Christmas party. As I sipped wine, I talked with Leslie Derrig. Her husband, Bill, was in an adjoining room engaged in a conversation. I brought up Bill and how I find his condition has improved since his stroke. Leslie went into the details of the episode, crediting his survival to the rapid response of Warwick firefighters and the care he received at Rhode Island Hospital. His initial diagnosis was that he would not be able to walk again.

That’s not the case. Bill is able to get around, although he depends on a walker most of the time.

Bill had to learn to walk again. Whereas we don’t think of how to walk – we just do it – Bill had to consciously think of lifting his leg, then placing his foot and shifting his weight to take a single step. Walking did not come naturally; the stroke had wiped the process clean from his brain.

I suppose I shouldn’t be amazed that a stroke can so completely erase those actions that we seemingly take for granted. As amazing is that we can learn the lost skills over again. With repetition, Leslie said, Bill no longer must concentrate on each action leading up to taking a step. That’s wonderful.

I take my hat off to our thinkers, but I would point out the benefit of not thinking. It can be a great respite.

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