rest

 

Most of us don't get enough rest. And we're secretly proud of it too, right? We tell each other about how we only slept two hours last night. And then we all nod approvingly as if to say, "Yep, it's so rough." But is it really a badge of honor to deprive yourself of something you need? If so, why don't we have the same conversations about how we've managed to not use the bathroom in days?! Or about how we held our  breath for so long that we passed out? I think it's often assumed that the less we rest, the more productive we are. Who made up that lie rule anyway?!

As a mom, I understand how fast the schedule fills up and the reality that there's always someone who needs something from you. But I've recently started to schedule downtime. And I'm finding that real words, on a real calendar translate into real changes. And I know it isn't a novel concept. Except that for me, it really was.

So the whirlwind of another school year about to come sweep us off our feet again. I wanted to offer the suggestion during this calm before the storm. Maybe this year it's time to put yourself on the calendar, too? 

What would that look like for you?

Comments

[Elaina]

One of my favorite places to be is a small park in the "Sailing Capitol of NC" -- Oriental. This is where I learned to rest truth be told. This is a picture I took there some time ago:

http://elainaavalos.blogspot.com/2009/08/rest.html

[leaca]

Four years ago I lived in Wyoming and my life was crazy. I ran the local youth program, served on the 21st Century Committee, substitute taught, had three kids and a husband, a home, and a dog.....not to mention church and all the responsibilities that I had there. My husband moved us to Alaska and he asked me to not get so involved in everything. I decided it was time for me to dump some of the extra baggage and agreed with my husband.

We moved to Alaska and I got a full time job and had home, and church, that was it. I found that I got lost and really was not taking the time for me. After picking up my DSLR a few years later I found my place in this world, something that I truly loved other than family and church. It is amazing to me how taking a walk with my camera can rejuvenate my soul. I think I need to take photo walks more often...even in the cold.

This was a great reminder.

[leaca]

OOPS forgot the link

http://simplyblogged.blogspot.com

[Vanessa]

I read this right as my teething 7 month old has had me up for a straight hour at 4am. Sleep. I just want sleep. I can't wait for my kids to be teenagers who sleep 15 hours a day.

[Puna]

Ahhhh...thanks for the reminder. Beautiful shot.

http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2009/08/august-6-rest/

[Jessica]

I love that photo, it's so relaxed and lovely. I wish I had some grass to go lie in right now!

http://quotidian-photography.blogspot.com/

[camerashymomma]

hopefully it would look like this photo, because this is really beautiful and peaceful!

[Jean M Fogle]

All day rushing around, trying to get it all done, be everything to everybody, and having no time for ourselves is part of being a woman in today's world.
Each day I try to stop to capture a picture that is not part of a photo shoot, or assignment, or something I can sell. Yesterday I kept passing the peaches lined up on the counter waiting for somebody, guess who, to process them for the dehydrator or freezer. Finally at the end of the day when the light was good, i grabbed the camera and tripod and captured what had been calling to me all day! Never could get the pic of my cat Pilgrim curled up fast asleep in an empty flower pot outside. Everytime he saw me coming he got up purring and ran to me.
http://pixels-n-pen.blogspot.com
Capture your heart today!

[jag]

Twice a year, I schedule a 4-5 day silent retreat. I rest physically & mentally... and focus on being, spiritually. On my first day, I usually sleep anywhere between 12 - 15 hours. Even a life without kids can get too busy...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagspace/3061928261/in/set-72157610159243695/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagspace/3061928759/in/set-72157610159243695/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagspace/3061928759/in/set-72157610159243695/

"There's a wonderful method of relieving fatigue caused by over-work: it's called 'rest'". - source unknown

[robyn]

a way to take time for me? to slow down a bit? that seems like such a novel concept! i've got tons of stuff flowing through my brain, projects i want to tackle, new skills i want to acquire. we don't have kids, so the start of the new school season doesn't trap me as much as the fall/holiday knitting season, but the need for downtime still stands.

i think this season i'm going to try to schedule more "girl time" dates. spend more time with friends, grabbing drinks or dinner, chatting over food and laughter. i don't allow enough time for that in my life and it would definitely feed my soul.

[Dani]

My two girls will have school all day this year and my son starts preschool. So, every Tuesday and Thursday, I will get two and a half hours to rest. Or to work on what in my mind. Can't wait!

[Stacy]

Beautiful shot!

I don't get nearly enough sleep either and it is really starting to wear me down. I, too, have been trying to get to bed and leave my projects to the side for a bit. Being tired all the time is not a badge of honor.

[Bostongaljm]

Oh what a beautiful shot. I can feel the grass beneath my shoulders...

Rest is such a relaxing word, it provides such rejuvenation! This is my restful place.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22522584@N02/3387324605/in/set-72157615943235262/

[Grace]

The cult of no sleep makes no sense to me either. I am a dedicated sleeper. 8-9 hours on weeknights, more on weekends, and naps if I can get them. I love to sleep, and the hours in which I am awake are richer for it. I think we all need to learn to not apologize for needing something so basic as rest.

[Jamie Lapeyrolerie]

Beautiful shot - makes me want to go in a field and take a nap.

This is where I find rest (even if I am sort of working out): http://jamielynnephotography.blogspot.com/2009/08/one-more-reason-to-love-atx.html

I can never get enough of water.

[Amanda Mae]

Definitely this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maecreative/3789900951/

[Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog]

My life changed so much (for the better) when I decided to stick to 8 hours of sleep a night. I wouldn't give up that time for anything!

[Patty Reiser]

Right now since the children are home from school, I try to schedule stuff to do with them during the day and then I stay up late working while they sleep. I make sure to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep every night. I have learned the hard way the importance of good regular sleep.
Once the children return to school in about three weeks, I will be able to shift my working time to when they are at school. Yeah!
Otherwise I try to schedule time for just me. I usually do that by grabbing my camera and going for a walk or a drive just to take pictures like I did yesterday. http://pkphotography.us/2009/08/13-things-you-didnt-know-about-joshua-trees/ I find this quiet me time very calming.

[Emma]

I learned to say 'no' a long time ago. I've never understood the status in being "too busy," probably because there isn't any.

[Dani]

Rest: http://danileighphotography.blogspot.com/2009/08/typical-thursday-night-sooc.html

[djbeat]

such a gorgeous photo!
rest for me: my daily cappuccino...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/djbeat/3796499981/in/photostream/

[loren weltsch]

Yes, I agree 100%!
Just a tiny bit of down time can make such a difference!

[Crystal Ball]

I just came across this blog today and completely fell in love. What an amazing idea for a blog. The photograph above is gorgeous. I look forward to browsing through the blog!

[Erika]

The very Beings that zap my energy also show me how to restore.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22634402@N02/3784280995/

I gotta admit, I was a little jealous.

[industrial photography singapore]

feel romantic...