Permission to Rest

December 8, 2023

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It’s one of the most difficult practices I’ve taken on and has taken all year to come to terms with it. I was born the very last year of the boomer generation, so I learned how to be ‘driven’ and some would say harnessed an ‘over achiever’ attitude. If you rested, you were being lazy or must be sick.

Recently, I shared this strategy with others and want to lay it here for you. In what can become the most chaotic month of the year, our mind and bodies need rest. Rest is when we ask absolutely nothing from our mind and body. It’s that sweet spot to be found between relaxing and napping.

Here’s what works best for me to find that state of rest, but feel free to experiment to find yours.

It works best to designate an area specifically for rest. After making my bed for the day, I lay my favorite throw and pillow at the foot of the bed. This offers an open invitation to rest at any time.
When my body says, ‘Stop’, I step into the bedroom and lay across the bed on my stomach. Take the pillow and bunch it up under my chin with my arms around it so my head has a place to rest.
Let your body sink into this position allowing the spine to realign itself out of the sitting position of the day. I tend to stretch my legs and rotate my ankles from side to side while inhaling and exhaling relaxing breaths. There are zero distractions allowed such as a phone, tablet, or book.
I have my bed positioned to gaze out a window allowing the thoughts to pass through and that’s considered rest. Relieving the mind from it’s job of continual thinking.
If I lay my head to the side, my eyes will close and reopen like slow blinking. A deep sigh let’s me know I’m in rest mode. I usually lay there for at least 15 minutes, but sometimes 30 minutes.
Once my eyes reopen and stay open, my mind begins to think more clearly, so rest feels complete.
If I fall asleep and wake up after a nap that’s an excellent indicator that I ignored the signals for too long and was past the point of rest. Don’t be alarmed if at first you fall asleep during this practice. Your mind and body will eventually realize you’re giving it permission to rest.

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4 responses to “Permission to Rest”

Laura

Dec 8, 2023 at 5:20 pm

Your post reminded me of the challenges I faced with rest. I left the business world then worked in a variety of businesses until 2017. It took three more years before I realized that I was still driving myself at least 8 hours a day. I’m now more aware of the practice of rest, however I love your guidelines, I’ll add that to my daily rest, it sounds so relaxing and purposeful.

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1. Barb
  
  Dec 8, 2023 at 5:52 pm
  
  Hi Laura and thank you for sharing. Rest wasn’t mentioned in my business world and the people I came in contact with were always striving for what’s next. I’ve often wondered when people would call in to use a ‘sick day’, if they were really sick, just needed rest, or both. I’m glad you enjoyed this and please use whatever helps. Yes, it’s a peaceful experience and like most things, I had to learn to rest on purpose. 💜
  
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PatNewMex

Dec 12, 2023 at 7:08 am

Barb, thank you for sharing and what a great post. I am from the Midwest and there is this Midwestern work ethic that came from my parents and grandparents and the whole community. And that mindset and work ethic is that you should always be productive and busy and then your life would have meaning. I don’t think that they are wrong but I have a tendency to personally push way too hard. I’m in my mid-60s and I have decided that retirement means that naps are a requirement not just a treat. I have also learned to rest every 15 minutes or so even if I’m out doing something simple, like raking or cleaning the yard. My body is not as young as it used to be, and it certainly isn’t as young as my mind thinks I am! Thank you for a reminder for all of us to slow down and take a little bit of rest now and then. It’s actually very good for living a balanced life. I have a daybed in my spare room and that’s where me and my dog sleep when we have a nap. The dog gets the trundle bed. Thanks again for a great.

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1. Barb
  
  Dec 12, 2023 at 9:32 am
  
  Hi Patty and thanks so much for sharing! Being raised in NC a similar work ethic was engrained in us as well. It would have been nice if someone would have told us the difference between productive and busy because we were always busy, but not sure how productive it was.
  
  Our bodies are not as young as they once were and we can honor them now by slowing the pace a bit. I enjoyed the vision of your napping space with your doggo and once the rest of my daughter’s room is cleared, I’ll be adding a chaise lounge and that will be my space for rest and relaxation. Have always wanted one. 💜
  
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