There are ebbs & flows to what we do.
Moments of intensity then periods of rest.
The intensity could be a busy day at work, an emotional exchange, a block of exercise, a mentally draining task, a traumatic or exhilirating experience.
Whatever it may be, for balance, moments of intensity must be juxtaposed with an equal and opposite rest period.
At least.
Sometimes rest periods prolong.
And this can be good. Even if you don’t fully understand why or even if you can’t seem to find energy, no matter how hard you try, it is sometimes necessary.
Having said that…
There is a point of diminishing returns.
Rest and/or sleep can fuel more of the same.
Our bodies and internal systems acclimatize to what we expose ourselves.
There are two kinds of rest:
- Active or conscious rest.
- Mindless moping around.
The first might be a stereotypical meditation session.
Or it might just be lying or sitting, without moving your body. Letting it relax.
It might be sitting with someone who helps you relax.
Or doing an activity that helps you relax.
The second kind of rest is more of a disguise.
Drinking. Television. Gossip. Mindless chatter. Fill in the blank.
Here what you think is rest is more of a distraction until the next moment of intensity.
Most people are going full pace – or close to it – all the time. Hanging on for dear life.
True resting is not flashy, but it is worth it to take the time.
Rest periods could be:
- A few seconds
- A handful of minutes
- An hour
- A day
- A week
- A few months
- A whole year
Same goes for moments of intensity.
Recognizing these ebbs & flows on the micro and macro-level helps to accept the present moment.
There is a time for everything.
