 Not that you don't know how to take a nap or a bath, but this book is full of remarkably good excuses to actually put your feet up on your desk for ten minutes and take a snooze, or draw yourself a bubble bath and hop in.
The art of doing nothing is not really about nothing of course. It is about the unexpected somethings that come when we make a little quiet room in our heads for the next insight. If you find yourself pushing too hard and not getting anywhere as you stumble onward toward your heart's desire, sometimes it helps to take a step sideways or to stop and sit for a while before you attempt to make further forward progress.
This book is small, quite lovely to look at, and has a breezy style that asks very little of the reader. After all, you shouldn't have to work too hard to relax. You could even relax a little bit right now. Even the most stressed out reader will drift easily among the chapters - the art of procrastination, breathing, meditation, lounging, yawning, napping, bathing, tasting, listening and waiting. The book is beautifully illustrated with sepia tone photographs on nearly every page. The Art of Doing Nothing is like a quick trip to the spa without the inherent danger of finding yourself wrapped in seaweed.
If you are prudish, you may want to know in advance that there are (intentionally fuzzy completely tasteful and appropriate) photos of people bathing and skinny dipping. We wouldn't want anyone to get a sudden shock while they are trying to relax.
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