The Sloth Ethic

The kind of relaxation that is part of the sloth ethic depends on being able to live in the moment. It’s hard to enjoy sitting in the sun with a good book (I’m with you there, jcr) if you are fretting about the meeting that’s coming up next week, the interview next month, the effects of global warming across the next centiry. Likewise, it’s hard to ramble aimlessly along a pleasant path, enjoying the sun on your skin and the wind ruffling your hair, if you are brooding on how awkward you felt at that party last week, and why on earth did you say that to her when you were on the phone, and how embarrasing that incident was when you were seven years old.

So, live in the moment. Let the cares of the world slip away. The past is done, and the future is not yet here.

There are many paths to this. Mindfulness meditation is one that many people find very helpful. It may change your life. Also, when people tell you that you’re just sitting around doing nothing, you can smile serenely and tell them yes, exactly.

Tags: meditation, mindfulness, slow