Water Wings

After a long week I find myself asking if a slow easy day is rest or being lazy.  Do you ever do that?

What I have come to learn is that it depends on my thoughts about the slow easy day.  

If I think it is time for my body to recuperate after the work week my thoughts are kinder and I am more willing to sink into the time enjoying reading, crocheting or napping. I end up feeling refreshed and renewed.

Yet if I think I am being lazy I resist resting.  I do household tasks with a chip on my shoulder.  I resent having “nothing” to do.  Often I will work myself into a flare from too much tasking. I end up feeling angry and frustrated. I end up feeling physically worse than I started the day.

The truth is we all need rest and with chronic pain it is more than self care.  It is vital to our physical and mental health.  By giving ourselves the grace and space to rest we allow not just our bodies to rest, but our souls.  

There have been scriptures, songs, and poems written about the need for rest for our bodies and for the land from which our food comes.

“When you rest, you catch your breath and it holds you up, like water wings” (Anne Lamott) is one quote that encourages me to rest.

Share a favorite quote, poem or song that encourages you to rest.  

Share also how you rest in ways that feed your soul and refresh your body.