It’s about time someone wrote some instructions for porch sittin’, which is becoming a lost art, especially among folks who rush about in a hurry all the time. Be forewarned. Porch sittin’ is not a sport. It is not competitive, and everyone is a winner. Most people can achieve a high level of success in porch sittin’ with minimal effort. In fact, arriving at and maintaining a condition of total lack of exertion for a prolonged period of time is the ultimate goal.
Any porch with room for sittin’ will do, whether the domicile is in the country or the city. A front porch, back porch, side porch, balcony, patio, or stoop will all do just fine. A view of the neighbors’ may be preferred by some, as keeping tabs on their comings and goings may add to the sitter’s pleasure. A sitter can choose a lawn chair, rocking chair, bench, swing, or a step for sittin’. Dawn and dusk are prime times for porch sittin’, but any time works well too.
Reading the newspaper or a good book is certainly encouraged when a sitter is sittin’ solo, but only as a means of winding down. Activities like crocheting and whittling are likewise acceptable, as they keep the hands busy and the tongue free if company is about. Cards or dominoes are fine, but an intense level of competition can be detrimental to the porch sittin’ process of relaxation. Taking a refreshment of personal choice is almost essential, and having it in hand before sittin’ down is recommended (with refills nearby).
After all the practical details are tended to, a porch sitter can concentrate on the fullest porch sittin’ experience. Considering the way things are in our hustle-bustle world, porch sittin’ is an excellent way to step off the fast track and watch the train go by, so to speak. If we’re always in motion and never see how fast we’re going, we can’t see the progress we’ve made or tell in what direction we’re headed. We might solve a few more knotty problems in the world if we all did a bit more porch sittin’ and a little less jostling and shouting.
Some of life’s most momentous events, such as marriages, business ventures, and career changes have their beginnings while porch sittin’. Either we first conceive of them while in our contemplative state, or share our first thoughts of them while porch sittin’ with our loved ones. The porch generally provides a better place for sharing those things that are too momentous to toss out in passing.
Porch sittin’ is all about perspective. When we’re porch sittin’, we’re looking out at everyone else, and not in on ourselves. We’re sittin’ still, and the rest of the world is speeding by. Porch sittin’ requires consideration and reflection on where we’ve been and where we’re going, and most importantly, where we’re at right now.
How do we tell if we’ve achieved porch sittin’ success? Well, that’s the beauty of it. That state of ultimate relaxation is different for everyone. For me, I consider it a success when the birds and squirrels take me as part of the landscape. My worries leave my mind, and contentment seeps down into my bones. Regret and sadness ease into memory. Time hovers between early and late. Life is what it is, and that is enough.
Take my advice if it’s been a while, and try porch sittin’ again. I’ve found that indulging in this particular activity won’t increase my bank account or my IQ. It won’t make me or my better half more attractive or more accommodating. The problems I had when I sat down will still be there when I get up. In fact, porch sittin’ won’t change anything, except maybe me. We have nothing to lose and much to gain. Happy sittin’.
© 2024 Joyce Martin. All rights reserved
Note: None of my content is AI generated. Ever.
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