Blogger: Etta Wilson
Location: Books & Such office, Nashville
Weather: Finally up from freezing
My new Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary lists one definition for the noun “rest” as “freedom from activity or labor.” That’s what I had in mind at the end of the year after the whirlwind of Christmas activities and travel.
Well, after last week’s inaugural call to action, we had all better get back to the basics of hard work and creative thinking that inspire us to reach goals we had not imagined–and hopefully to create some capital. But it’s not just our new President’s words that spur me on. It’s the brisk, bright January weather, the feeling that you’ve got to move to keep the blood circulating, if nothing else.
Just as I’m resolving to bustle about and work hard, I also need to resolve to rest. That raises the question: What really is restful for us? Does the increased number of cars I see at the local YMCA indicate more than people simply wanting to get rid of holiday weight gain? Are people “resting” in there?
I’d like to know what you consider to be a rest in body, in mind, and in spirit. Here are some questions to spur on a discussion. Pick any of them that spur you on to rest–or at least to think about resting.
1. Do you feel boredom may be a sign that you need exercise?
2. How long do you sit writing without taking a rest and rising to stretch or walk?
3. How often do you “rest” your mind by reading a totally different kind of book?
4. Do you have a hobby that you engage in once or twice a month?
5. When did you last take an educational course lasting at least 4 sessions?
6. Do you feel the need to have some activity or time with others outside your home?
7. Have you been on a renewal retreat in the last two years? Lots of us Bookies, as we affectionately refer to the clients, agents, publicist and assistant at Books & Such, just did that in October and wasn’t it refreshing in several ways?
Rather than let your answers inspire any guilt, let me take that burden on for you since the questions are based on my shortcomings. Now I must go for a walk. It’s finally warm enough to venture out in January, and I’ve been sitting entirely too long!
Ooh, these are tough questions. You’ve got me thinkin’ now….. But that’s good!
Great post.
Great tips, Etta. Thanks for the timely reminder!
I think all of us have problems dealing with what is restful for us. Now I’m trying to sort out the relationship between time and speed in today’s life and discerning the tips our bodies give us about rest. That’ll keep me busy for a while!
1. I have a vivid imagination and I just shut boring stuff out.
2. I guess if I hurt when I stand, it’s been too long, huh? 🙂
3. I’m reading Songbird by Lisa Samson; typically I read (and re read) children’s books. Confession–I haven’t read any of the books tapped for Newbery, etc, but I’ve read many, many past winners and honors.
4. My hobby is reading and that’s constant. In the spring and summer I grow flowers. So yes.
5. Ummmm…..
6. I don’t mind and probably prefer being by myself, except for immediate family. I work a split shift with elementary school kids, so I see plenty of people during the day! I love being around kids.
7. Nope. I *am* going by myself to a local writer’s conference this Saturday. I know no one, but I’m not shy. I’ll meet people.
Reading is restful for me. Rainy or snowy days are restful for me. Power outage–very restful. Music is restful.
Thanks for making me pause long enough to think about what’s restful in my schedule. Hmm, not much. I do love to sit in my spa, especially on full-moon nights and consider the heavens. The practice brings me back to earth with God secured in my mind and heart.
Such great food for thought, Etta. I find it interesting that you classified exercise as a rest break. You are right! Sometimes we rest from our work by reading, walking, connecting with our friends and just plain dreaming.
In answer to one of your questions: I just returned from a week-long retreat sponsored by First Place 4 Health http://www.firstplace4health.com. We addressed the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health. It was the very best “rest cure” I could have taken. I’m focused and reinvigorated– ready to work harder than ever.
I’ve been realizing the mind-spirit-body connection with the Word for a few months now. Not for the first time but seeing it in new light. The rest that follows exercise is wonderful to me. Yoga and Pilates is restful to me. Cycling classes give me rest after I get my leg back over the bike. Sitting and thinking is something i’m working to do more, since I often feel i have to be doing something more to be worthy of breath on the planet.
Kathleen, I think we’re on the same wave length. The issue I keep wrestling with is how much of anything is too much. Any answers are welcome!
Etta
Sherry, I have great mental pictures of you dancing, reading and writing- the latter will benefit from the former two I’m sure. That’s a good mix. Etta
Ah rest! Typically, I think of rest is something I do at the end of the day when I can snuggle up under my covers and go to sleep. Yesterday, when my back was aching from sitting at the computer too long, I decided my body needed to move. I grabbed my iPod, turned it to some upbeat tunes, and worked out on my elliptical machine for a half an hour. Another way I rest is to READ! I love influencing books and blogging about them. I have a steady stream of books filling my mailbox at least once a week. I gobble them up. I struggle with how much is too much as well. My motto is everything in moderation. 🙂