“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” ~ Ovid
I did something today that I very rarely do. Exhausted after a late night of fun with my sister and her friends, and with all three of my boys gone to an orienteering class with the Cub Scouts, I stretched out on a sunny spot on the sofa and drifted off to sleep. It’s not in my nature to nap. Actually, it’s not in my nature to sit still. I honestly have to work at relaxing. I’m a busy person, and I like it that way. When I’m moving, I get things done and I burn calories. I accomplish things and clear them off my to-do list and that brings me some level of peace and comfort. There’s nothing wrong with that.
I forget sometimes, though, that as good as it is for a body to be active, it’s every bit as important for it to rest. Part of my plan for the New Year was to work on being still. So, today I allowed myself 20 minutes of stillness in the middle of an otherwise packed day. In between cleaning the kitchen and planting flowers, I…the catnap challenged…became catnap capable. I discovered that 20 minutes of inactivity are enough to bring my internal battery up from 50% charge to 95% charge.
I don’t foresee this becoming a regular habit for me because I do love to cross things off my to-do list and I have two overly active boys who need me, but it’s good to know that when I need a short respite my mind is willing to allow it if I take the time simply to be still for a few moments. Now, if I could just get my boys back to the days when they took afternoon naps, if I could remind them that they too are catnip capable, that would be life changing.
Live Now and Zen 