Rest is Radical

The U.S tends to be a push-push-push culture. If you’re not pushing, you’re not doing it right. Or, you’re not working hard enough. Or, even worse, you’re not worthy. Even the way people say “Oh, you’re going on vacaaaaation” can sometimes be awkward. Not that a lot of us are taking vacations right now.

About 10 years or so ago, I ascribed to this philosophy that ‘rest is bad’. To work hard and not rest was a badge of honor. It took some time for me, and some health problems, to understand that taking a break is: (1) ok (2) necessary for improvement in any type of achievement you are striving for – whether it be a better life, better business, better performance at a job, or improving one’s relationship with another or relationship with self.

When we slow down, however, it makes space. Space for us to think, be, exist, and not do. ‘Space’ can be scary. It gives us time to reflect on our lives, recognize what’s harming us and sometimes, remember the pain of past events. The thoughts and feelings come floating back in. So, maybe we pick up the cell phone, or binge on YouTube to fill up the space. Anything rather than to have to feel. Space=feeling. Feelings=scary.

I have gotten used to creating the space, taking the break, going for the rest but still have to work at getting comfortable with the space that comes in. How will I use it? Overthink? Overeat? Over consume media? Lately, I’ll just drop everything and go for a masked walk or bike ride. If it’s evening, I’ll go meditate and just track my breathing. Humans aren’t so great at breathing – it takes work to not try and control it. But, when space is created we can then go allow ourselves to get off of the track and deepen our daily living. I’m all for having goals, I’m just not willing to sacrifice everything (mind/body/soul) to get there anymore. How about you?