it is probably no coincidence that most of the major world religions exhort human beings to set aside time each week for rest. and even those who would not consider themselves religious still speak to the value of rest. because as humans, we all have physical limitations.
there is a danger in our world to self-exalt ourselves over our limitations – to claim that we can work without rest. but there is great danger in losing the natural rhythm between rest and work. great danger for our physical bodies, our emotional well-being, our relationships, and our spirituality. simply put, we must guard the natural rhythms of work and rest.
minimalism provides more opportunity for valuable rest, refreshment, and enjoyment. removing the relentless pursuit of physical possessions from our lives frees us from the pursuit of the almighty dollar. removing unnecessary physical possessions from our lives frees us from the burden of caring for them. removing clutter from our homes allows energy to flow more freely. and removing the value we place on physical items allows us to redirect our values and priorities.
so take a deep breath or better yet, take a nap. and return to the natural rhythms of work and rest.
related posts:
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
We could maybe term it “proactive laziness”
Everyone needs a little lazy downtime here and there.
I just took about a thirty minutes nap after cleaning my 1600 square foot home that we downsized to after the nest emptied seven years ago. Because my home is now clutter free, I can keep it extremely clean with only two 1 1/2 hour total cleanings per week. So, after a shower too, I’m full of energy in the middle of the afternoon.
When I was needing to work for all the stuff that I thought I had to help give our family, I had no time for a nap and no real energy. Doctor told me that I’d been living off of adrenaline and will power, probably for years. My thyroid was shot.
Thankfully, I got over needing stuff and now have the time for my family. I’ve been invited to help take care of my daughter-in-law and brand new first grandbaby for the next three weeks and am free, so I can. Will take care to be sure and nap:)
But it’s really *hard* to learn how to do this.
It’s as if we’re programmed to fill every moment with activity. Movement, business, and consumption are so deeply ingrained it’s actually a struggle to sit and do nothing. It’s like learning to meditate.
“What do you do when you’re sitting there?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t you get sleepy?”
“No. If you’re being observant, nothing is hard work!”
{ 1 trackback }