Tuesday, September 3, 2013
a day of rest
"When you rest, you rust ."
-anonymous
Actually, you only rust when your rest becomes becomes permanent! We all need to rest. Rest our minds, rest our bodies, rest our energy, even rest our dreams and desires. Yet we are being told that we must keep going, doing, improving. Where will it end?
Many spiritual traditions encourage a day of rest. The concept of "going on holiday" from Europe and the idea of "stay-cations" are all a good start. Sports medicine is now finding out that the best gains from our workouts are made when we rest and let the body repair to a stronger state. Constant wear-down leads to wear-out. A day off can let the body do its repairs and maintenance.
The Tao Te Ching says, "Oversharpen a sword and it will soon become dull." This is not an excuse to sit on the couch for the rest of your life! Rest and activity must find a healthy balance.
With smart phones, computers, and all the technology of "social media," we can never get a break! Another line from the Tao Te Ching says, "Stillness is the master of unrest."
How about a day of rest? One day where you unplug from work, technology, and take a break? Take a walk in the woods, or sit outside and look at the clouds and sky.Unplug the phone. Daydream. Read a book.Talk to a real live person face to face. Be with yourself. Sounds scarry doesn't it? No, it sounds wonderful!
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