By Leo Babauta

Today as I write this, I have a day that’s pretty much free and clear — no commitments, no calls, no meetings. It feels like such a huge gift, because most of my weekdays aren’t like this at all. I usually have at least a few things on my calendar.

I’m using it to take care of things that have piled up or that I usually don’t have time for. Little administrative tasks, emails that I’ve been meaning to respond to, things I want to write (like this very writing). It feels so good to have that space — a luxurious thing!

Of course, I immediately want to fill it up with so much busyness. It’s fascinating how my mind works! I’m practicing allowing myself to have a spacious day, and not have to rush to do everything but rather enjoy the openness of it.

It occurs to me, as I luxuriate in this wide open day, that I could use more days like this. Or at least half days. It occurs to me that I tend to fill everything up, but that leaves me with little breathing room.

What’s it like for you? Could you start to create the luxury of a little open space in your calendar, and if so, what would be lovely about that for you?