The Quiet Power of Niksen
She sits by the window as the morning breeze slips in like a whisper, gently moving the curtains as the world outside slowly wakes up. The tea in her hands has gone cold, forgotten in the drift of her thoughts. Lately, mornings have adopted a new rhythm, pulling her into reflections she once had no time for. The years spent juggling kids, work, and everything else feel like they were just yesterday, but now they seem more distant. What used to define her days—being needed, always having something to do—has faded into a quieter existence. And with that quiet comes the inevitable question: What now?
Though she might not have a name for it, there’s a concept that fits her stage of life perfectly: niksen. A Dutch word that loosely translates to “doing nothing,” niksen isn’t about idleness or wasting time, it’s an intentional act of stepping away from the constant need to be productive. In a world that glorifies busyness, niksen offers a different approach—permission to pause, to let the mind wander, and to simply be.
The Benefits of Stillness
In a culture that glorifies the grind—where your calendar is a badge of honor and “busy” is the automatic answer to every “How are you?”—doing nothing can feel almost scandalous, like you’ve forgotten something important. But both the science and lived experiences reveal another side. Neuroscientists have been saying for years that the brain needs rest—time when it’s not chewing over to-do lists or chasing the next big thing. In those moments of nothingness, the brain quietly works, solving problems, connecting ideas, and recharging in ways that don’t show up on a productivity chart.
Albert Einstein often took long, aimless walks, letting his mind wander. No pressure, no agenda. And in those quiet moments, some of his most profound insights surfaced. Niksen isn’t about surrendering to laziness; it’s about allowing yourself to stop, to let your thoughts meander without direction. It’s the mental equivalent of taking your shoes off after a long day. It’s like a license to exist without the nagging feeling that you need to do something, accomplish something, be something.
The Shift of Identity
For many, life has been defined by roles—parent, partner, professional, volunteer. There’s always been something to do, and it often feels like the world moves at a breakneck speed. But as children grow and families shift, or careers come to a natural end, many find themselves asking: What now? The transition from constant activity to a slower pace of life can feel unsettling — like there’s a sudden void where busyness once thrived.
Niksen offers a different perspective. It suggests there’s value in stepping back—not from relationships or responsibilities entirely, but from the expectation that life must always be a flurry of action. The idea is to embrace the fact that life has rhythms, and sometimes those rhythms involve pausing. Instead of feeling guilty about not having every moment scheduled, niksen encourages finding worth in stillness. It’s a mindset that can be liberating for anyone who’s spent a lifetime in perpetual motion.
Letting Go of Worry
Stepping back doesn’t mean the absence of concern. In fact, as life quiets down, new worries may emerge—concerns about family, the state of the world, or the uncertain future. Whether it’s political chaos, environmental challenges, or the pressures of modern life, the weight of the unknown can feel overwhelming. How will the next generation handle the turbulence? Will they be okay in a world that feels more uncertain with each passing day?
Niksen doesn’t promise to erase these worries, but it offers a reminder: worrying doesn’t mean caring. You can still be deeply invested in your family and community without feeling like you must be in constant control. Letting go of control doesn’t mean abandoning your responsibilities or concerns; it means trusting that others can navigate their paths just as you did. You’ve raised them to be strong and capable—sometimes, the hardest part is trusting in that preparation and letting them step forward without your constant guidance.
Finding Peace in the Pause
In embracing the quiet moments, there’s a unique opportunity to rediscover what it means to simply exist. Niksen isn’t about giving up or disengaging from life; it’s about allowing yourself the grace to pause. Life isn’t measured by constant action but by the depth of moments, and in those moments of stillness—sitting with a cup of tea, watching the light shift through the window, or feeling the breeze—you reconnect with yourself.
For those adjusting to this slower chapter of life, the practice of niksen can be a form of self-care. It’s not about stepping out of life but about stepping into a new rhythm, one where there’s no need to rush. The world will keep turning, families will continue to grow, and life will unfold—whether or not you’re in constant motion.
