Sometimes, to reharmonize internally, we simply need to take a break and enjoy some well-deserved rest. After all, if you do not take care of yourself, then how can you truly expect others to pick up the slack or carry your weight? Can you really help others to the best of your full potential and abilities if you are not resting well? I do not think so.
I still need more healthy rest in order to work at my best. My health is the main capital I have, and I want to administer it intelligently.
-Ernest Hemingway
I find that rest is frequently very underrated; I know how bad I am at budgeting time for it a lot of the time. Given my personality, I feel the need to constantly push myself. To consciously and meaningfully pull back and slow down from time to time is a significant effort and struggle for me. I hope this cycle will help me get better at resting regularly.
The flip side is laziness, and that may be what I fear, prompting my proclivity to push for productivity persistently. Rest can also often be perceived by many as selfish. However, that is not true. None of us are self-subsisting. We all require relaxation and recovery.
Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.
-John Lubbock
Take some time to slow down this week. Look around and appreciate the natural, harmonious environment that envelops our existence. Walk in the woods. Lay in a field. Smell some flowers. Enjoy the downtime. Recharge with some rejuvenating rest. Investing in yourself today allows you to show up for everyone even better tomorrow.
Sitting is an art.
-Thích Nhất Hanh
The art of resting first.
It’s very important that we learn how to rest.
When I want to rest some each day, I will silently practice some mindfulness and/or meditation. I enjoy using the Calm app in particular when listening along to guided lessons. One of their notifications says that sometimes rest is the most productive thing you can do. Welcome some quality sleep. An email from Calm earlier this year pointed out that we are meant to rest before we are exhausted, not after. If you are lucky, then your life is a long journey. No one can remain active constantly. Be wise; rest for a spell.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.