On some level you know this…at least your body does. The body and mind function at their peak with adequate rest. Our modern day bodies are depleted and exhausted and are crying out for constructive rest.
It’s all about the nervous system. The human body is meant to be in parasympathetic nervous system response 80 to 90% of the time… Think about that. The opposite of para-sympathetic is sympathetic; fight or flight. Shut your eyes and ask yourself how much of your waking time you spend in which system. Most likely fighting and flying.
I believe this to be a cultural epidemic which affects young and old alike, from all walks of life. This lack of rest and sleep is wrecking havoc on our health, immune systems and emotional well-being.
The people I serve in our community are exhausted. I watch their bodies release into rest with such profound need and gratitude. Let someone take a break from their life, in a quiet space, find stillness and comfort, and watch the body soak it in.
We have been conditioned to fight our way through our lives to fly around disconnected from ourselves, the Earth and one another. We have been sold a bill of goods which says success is material and busy, noisy and fast-paced. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The very word success could be stricken from the language. It represents a warped ideal which is based on material expectations, jealously, outward appearances, competition, and greed. In no way does this type of success guarantee happiness, fulfillment or joy.
Not to say that one can not be successful by the standards of today’s world and also have fulfillment and joy. One can, but not without a soul driven purpose and rest. You can have it all and still be sick and tired. Its within the quiet container of the rest where you can reconnect to yourself, to your purpose, your desires, your gifts. Its in the rested state where the body; your vehicle for achievement can restore its vitality towards optimal performance.
It’s also about finding balance. The Yin and the Yang, super charged activity and physical exertion balanced with rest. Allow the body to restore itself and integrate the work you do. When we give ourselves this gift we awaken to the magic of creation and our right to thrive.
Find a way to rest in stillness and quiet away from distractions and the demands of your life. Let your body heal. Feel the comfort of your breath, give the mind permission to slow down.
Meditation, restorative or Yin Yoga, massage, Reiki, long hot baths, acupuncture, and many other practices offer a path to rest.
There is nothing lazy about this, nor are you wasting time. Your health, relationships, productivity, joy will all improve if you embrace the power of rest.