In this crazy world, we can all use some scheduled rest. A day in which we give ourselves permission to stay in jammies and snooze. One in which we do exactly what feels nice and peaceful. Everyone needs this, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. Either we find ourselves behind, swamped, or interrupted. And yet, rest is one of the most important things a person needs.
Not only rest of the body while sleeping, either. Our necks need a rest from looming over a keyboard. Our fingers need rest from typing emails or texts. Our brains need relief from constant stress and worry. Ringing phones or continuous video conferences leave us frazzled. Our eyes need rest from computer screen strain. Our spirit needs a rest with the constant evil bombardment from this messed up world.
How many of us race around in our cars like we’re speeding through the Daytona 500. There’s always a million errands waiting for us. Watch as people drive here and there, frowning on their way. Worse yet, so busy they forget to take their masks off in the car. On overload, we all need to stop and find one thing each day that brings happiness.
I got the sweetest email from my Godmother, Auntie TJ the other day. She wished for me a happy day. She mentioned how much lovelier the world would be if more people would just find happiness. She knows a thing or two. On the subject of happiness she is 100% right. What if our politicians in Washington, DC would smile at each other once in awhile? Genuinely smile. What might happen if the entire place just had one good belly laugh? Maybe they could cut through the insanity and get to work to fix problems that are making citizens more unhappy day by day.
What’s a person to do? I try unplugging for at least one hour every day. Turn the phone off. Darken the television screen. Turn off anything that rings, dings, or sings and enjoy the quiet that follows. Sometimes quiet can seem absolutely foreign but it’s definitely something of which we all need more.
During whatever time period you have, try to avoid conversations of any kind and be peaceful with yourself. What comes to mind? The feeling of solitude may be shocking at first. Give it a good 15 minutes with your eyelids down. The less sensory stimulation you have the better. Focus on your breathing as you let the rest of the world handle the troubles for a little bit.
Having the luxury of scheduling a daily nap at 12, I find Oliver eager to join me. The two of us melt into our respective beds and refuel our energy reserves. It’s one of the best perks of retirement. Rest during the day, while turning off the world and quietly resetting.
The garden is another wonderful place to find mental relaxation. As much as I poke and prod at them, I’ve yet to get a verbal complaint from my rose bushes. With a breeze and the bright blue sky, the sounds of nature complete the picture. It’s a great place to forgive, grieve, and get on with happy thoughts.
As every morning, it’s early hear, just past 5:00 AM. I’m going to take a little of my own advice and get a little more sleep before I’m off to Baptist on Main. Have a restful Sunday.
More tomorrow.