Ahhhhh. I can almost hear the collective sigh in anticipation of the long “Labor Day” holiday this weekend. For most of us, Labor Day means an extra day off of work; at least from our regular work. Many will use the day to tackle a household project, or an end of summer ritual like taking down the boat dock in northern climes. And some will use the day as a well-needed “rest from our labors;” if we can remember how.
The idea of true rest seems all but lost in our culture. To “rest from our labors” is more than a break in our busyness. It involves a lack of obligations and slowing down – not just our bodies, but our minds. Quieting our minds allows us to take in our present experience; something that is more the exception than the rule for many of us.
Another important element of true rest is being unavailable. I can almost feel the panic rising for some of you as I write this. Yes, you can turn off your phone, your e-mail, Facebook, Twitter and all other manner of non-present communication for awhile and give your mind a break. We hardly recognize the impact of constant mental and sensory input – until we turn it off for awhile.
Rest is not necessarily being idle, but having the ability to choose our activity. In general, rest does not include anything that is on the “should, have to or need to do” list. Unobligated activity offers us a much more restoring experience.
It’s All in the Balance
As in most of life, the balance of meaningful labor and rest is fundamental to sustainable health and well-being. We even need respite from labors of love: building, teaching, raising children; even my therapy practice. We have so much more to offer when we are refilled and refueled by true rest. We have more of ourselves to “be available” when we want to be. As a result, life feels more manageable, more enjoyable and more meaningful – whatever our labor is.
Once we have an understanding of what “rest” really is, we can make it part of our lifestyle. Experiment a little: turn off your phone; shut down your e-mail; close the office door and your eyes; get out of the office and take a walk on your lunch break; put an “unavailable” sign on your bedroom door; count how many sounds you hear from your back porch. Search out what is restful to you and make time for it. I guarantee that everyone around you will thank you for it.