The Art of Doing Nothing (And Why You Need It)
Fine Art Friday #49
Here I am. Standing there by myself, in the kitchen, phone in hand, staring at my inbox like it might spontaneously combust. A few minutes earlier, I’d had an idea—something good, something worth writing down—but between responding to a text, checking my email, and making sure my kids weren’t dismantling the house, I lost it. Completely gone.
Here I am overwhelmed with the things on the to-do list. The things on my KIDS’ TO DO LIST. Wishing I’d written down that dadgum idea before I’d gotten sidetracked by 320492309 things.
TBH I’m also very ready for spring break this next week.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember the last time I was truly bored. Not "waiting in line at Target and scrolling Instagram" bored. I mean the kind of boredom where your brain has no choice but to wander, where your best ideas sneak up on you like a whisper instead of a scream.
And here’s the thing: that kind of boredom? It’s necessary.
Boredom Is a Lost Art
We live in a world that rewards busyness. Every empty moment is an opportunity to check something off the list—reply to a DM, listen to a podcast at 1.5x speed, brainstorm your next big project.
But the constant pressure to be productive is killing creativity.
When was the last time you stared at the ceiling and let your mind drift? Not with a podcast in the background. Not while half-thinking about your to-do list. Just drifting.
I’ll tell you why this matters: our brains need space to make connections. To create something new, it has to have breathing room. Some of my best ideas have come not when I was actively trying to be creative, but when I was doing nothing—washing dishes, taking a walk, taking a shower, quietly watching the light shift through the trees.
The Science of Staring into Space
There’s actual research on this. Neuroscientists call it the default mode network—the part of your brain that lights up when you’re at rest. It’s responsible for creative problem-solving, long-term planning, and the kind of insights that feel like they appear out of nowhere.
But if we never give our brains the chance to switch into that mode? We’re stuck in a cycle of input, input, input with no time to process or create.
So, How Do We Get Bored Again?
I know—it feels almost wrong to do nothing. But if you’re feeling creatively blocked or uninspired, try this:
Resist the urge to fill every gap. Standing in line? Sitting in the car waiting for pickup? Put the phone down. Let your mind wander.
Take a walk without distractions. No music, no podcast, no scrolling. Just you and your thoughts.
Try a “Ceiling Stare” Session. Set a 10-minute timer, lay down, and stare at the ceiling. No agenda, no productivity—just let yourself be.
Daydream on purpose. Remember when you were a kid, staring out the window and imagining entire worlds? Give yourself permission to do that again.
Creativity Needs Space
It’s not always about doing more. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your art—for your mind—is to step back, breathe, and let the ideas come to you.
So here’s my challenge: This week, do nothing on purpose. Let your brain get a little bored. And when the ideas start flowing? Let me know what you discover.
Let’s Chat
Have you noticed a difference when you slow down? Do your best ideas come when you’re not trying? Hit reply or drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Happy creating (and not creating),
Courtney 🎨✨
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Thanks for reading today's edition of the Stories I Only Tell My Friends newsletter! & if you're new here—hi! I'm Courtney, fine artist and live wedding painter, honored to paint beautiful celebrations around the 🌎. I'd love for you to stick around and subscribe to keep reading one art tip, once a week. :)
Trying this! And curious… how long do you give yourself to do nothing before the world has to move again? Hahaha asking for a friend….