I've been a bit of a broken record of late, about rest. I just can't say it enough really. Our modern society really doesn't know how to rest- or doesn't encourage it, thats for sure. In need of constant enntertainment, distraction, plans plans plans (always focused on the future, that's another topic for another post!), keep the kids busy to avoid a meltdown (all the while continuing the cycle)...
Busy = Successful 🤯
We are made to feel like having a busy schedule is a badge of honour 🎖 Like "How you been lately?" "Ah, yah, so busy, you know" "Oh good for you! Sounds like you have a lot going on"... That instinctual first reaction response, 'busy' is on the mind.
Rest = Everything good! 💖
Rest is so very important for regulatory nervous system responses- having a balance between fight and flight, rest and digest; abilities to regulate emotions in response to triggers (everrrryone has them); to be able to analyse and nuture feelings as reactiveness into responsiveness. So many more!
But also rest is so very important to have the small moments to be observant and to develop a gratitude feeling in the present! Gratitude and awareness of the little details and moments, slow and steady, through our human experience. And *gratitude is the path to purpose* - this message came to me through a beautiful meditation.
In the past I had felt bad about not having weekend plans, or holiday get-away plans when everyone else I knew did for every public or school holiday. I had serious FOMO! Mostly it came down to me and my partners careers at the time (yes we've done the all consuming 60hr week careers, it's addictive! And so is the money). It took a big shift, a fair bit of deep diving honesty and healing to see the issue. I had gotten caught in this consumerism, modern chaos like a fish net.
I grew up in Fiji 🌞 So 'Fiji Time' being well and truly ingrained within me, despite this bad case of fomo, I just couldn't develope that sense of urgency that others had for planning the month out in advance, even though a big part of my conscious mind desired to. Now, I thank this relaxed part of my subconscious learning which has made it super easy to embrace rest 🤗
Over the years I've learnt the value of rest, down-time, letting the kids be bored! Letting myself be bored! Giving us space to feel the creative energy rise up from within (ok, out of boredom! That's a good thing!) Resting in Nature 🌊 Resting in my veggie patch for the entire weekend 🫑🌻 And especially on bad weather days, resting in bed, snuggling the kids and pets (or just myself!).
Most weekends are like this now a days, I've actually found that being spontaneous works for me also! Being flexible and not getting hung up on or anxious because social plans change or get cancelled. I've purposely just started to schedule in what's crucial- such as my 6pm Thursday night Meditation class at Begin Wellness [nudge nudge book here] or doctors, orthodontist appointments, school stuff. It just works better for me and my family 🌞 and if plans change we get creative and do something else- or just rest!
I could delve into it more, but this is a bit of a conversation starter.
So, being honest with ourselves, do you need to let go of the reins a bit and embrace rest more?
If so what will work best for you?
Or, if you're like me and a bit of a resting homebody, what's your fave rest tips for those in need?
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