I came across a great article today from the folks at 99% about the value of downtime and the space in which to find it. Here’s a preview link, courtesy of tinyurl.com:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/235kz5x

The basics of the article, while written for a primary audience of creatives, is applicable to everyone in my view. In the dynamically interconnected, always-on setting we’ve surrounded ourselves in, space and moments to find the peace to think deep thoughts is precious and rare.

In my work I’ve found that identifying a ‘point of refuge’ is one of the most critical elements to any design project. This may take the form of a small patio in a backyard design, or may be as simple as a well-placed bench in a public park. While the needs of the intended user and the relative significance to the overall design differ from project to project, it remains an element that cannot be overlooked.

(hmm…) This may also explain the success of pocket parks in congested urban settings, and perhaps why they don’t tend to work as well in less congested settings- they fill a critical need for a pause and a deep breath that is rarely recognized or discussed in the hectic pace of urban living. In settings that are less overwhelmingly busy, the need is less pronounced and so other steps need to be taken to promote the magnetism of a particular space. More to come on this idea in a future post.

For now, find a place in or around your home or community that helps you find ‘center’, and take steps to help it be a point of refuge for you.