This week, I wanted to share an approach I’m exploring as I continue building a life of integrity and authenticity. But first, a confession. I find it hard to rest; I am a restless person. Sound familiar?
It’s been important for me to acknowledge how valuable my restlessness is, even as I explore resting more deeply and frequently.
I came to this awareness over a period of “forced rest”, where restlessness was a steady companion. Can I not rest, I asked myself? Do I need to be productive to feel complete, I wondered?
And the truth is somewhere in between. I need rest, AND I like being productive, though not “just for the sake of it”. And my restlessness produces great results – the solution to key problems, a perfect milestone celebration planned far in advance.
Chani Nicholas, whose daily and weekly horoscopes often provide guardrails for me, said this in last week’s guide: “There’s so much freedom to be found when we are committed to the things that are best for our integrity—the best for our long-term growth, and health, and wellness, and our long-term maturity.”
And for me, those things are rest ++++ purpose, community, family, creativity.
What I’m trying to say is that there’s no one way to rest. We need different amounts at different times. Slowing down has helped me learn to listen—to my body, mind and spirit. To recognize, before a breakdown or meltdown, when I need more sleep, more hermit-ing, more movement.
I’m still listening, learning, leveling. Finding the formula that works for a time, and then recognizing it changes with the season, the family dynamic, political conditions.
Our journeys for the right amount of rest are unique. What matters is that we’re on the journey.
Sayu