Proof of (No) Work
A few weeks ago, I started a new Are.na channel that I entitled Intentional unproductivity. I added this recently, and it annoys me that I think that it's a good idea and something that I might actually use.
Why does it annoy me? Because it feels like something that neither I, nor any human, should need. But most of us are subject to the Protestant work ethic which underpins modern capitalism, equating our value with how much we work.
This August, although I haven't been able to take enough time off to experience the strange magic of the third week, I have been intentionally working less. So between client meetings and other commitments, I've just been trying to do what counts as "nothing" (according to the logic of capitalism) but what gives life shape and meaning. So I've been reading a lot, tinkering, watching films, and creating an analogue desk.
Although I haven't been able to get out exploring as much due to tearing my calf muscle, that in itself has been something of a blessing given that I'm (still!) recovering from overtraining syndrome. The world always wants more from us, so it's our job to push back to carve out time for space to be ourselves.
After all, who are you without the doing?
Source: Are.na