In this era when we rush around and do so many things in a hurry, trying to shove more and more into our available awake time, sometimes we need to remind ourselves there is way more to life than running around as if everything is important and urgent -- for it's just not so!
We probably all know the wisdom of 'everything in moderation' -- for too much work makes us workaholics and too much rest makes us lazy. We need both, but it's finding the balance of moderation that keeps us sweet of spirit, hale of strength, and sharp of mind.
That's why I was so pleased to come across this little bit o' wisdom as once told by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Although she lived in another time, another century, it seems some things tend not to change -- every generation needs its own reminder.
“Vices are simply overworked virtues, anyway. Economy and frugality are to be commended but follow them on in an increasing ratio and what do we find at the other end? A miser! If we overdo the using of spare moments we may find an invalid at the end, while perhaps if we allowed ourselves more idle time we would conserve our nervous strength and health to more than the value the work we could accomplish by emulating at all times the little busy bee.
I once knew a woman, not very strong, who to the wonder of her friends went through a time of extraordinary hard work without any ill effects.
I asked her for her secret and she told me that she was able to keep her health, under the strain, because she took 20 minutes, of each day in which to absolutely relax both mind and body. She did not even 'set and think'. She lay at full length, every muscle and nerve relaxed and her mind as quiet as her body. This always relieved the strain and renewed her strength." ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
That woman found something that works. Even that sweet kitty-cat above has figured it out. Now I guess the challenge for you and me is to decide before we click away from this posting if we believe these words enough to make a choice to create that bit of space in our lives to do this every day.
It's not about wishing it were possible. I really believe if we are to survive and live through these troubled times, we need it.
Consider this your own secret weapon against the tirades of terror and pressure. The issues of the day wind our world -- and our stomachs --tighter and tighter. We can resist it as we find ways to bring our being back into a place of stress-less rest and peace.
Consider this your own secret weapon against the tirades of terror and pressure. The issues of the day wind our world -- and our stomachs --tighter and tighter. We can resist it as we find ways to bring our being back into a place of stress-less rest and peace.
Wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places...
Brenda
xox
Brenda
xox
Good advice from Mrs. Wilder...I've always found that things usually do look better after a nap and after a good night's rest.
ReplyDeleteVery VERY wise words both from you and Laura Ingalls Wilder (a favorite author of mine). I am going to subscribe to your method more, I think.
ReplyDeleteCindy at Rosehaven Cottage
Very wise words. I think we all need to stop, rest and reflect at some point in each day.
ReplyDeletegreat advice brenda! i always think of the phrase "take time to smell the flowers!" maybe that's why i garden and knit...i can see a beautiful 'product' at the end of my 'work'!! ^)^linda
ReplyDeletegood advice, I need my nap in the afternoon to refresh my energies for the rest of the day...
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Much wisdom on and in-between the lines. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat kitty is so sweet. And rest that is refreshing is what we need more of.
ReplyDeleteI do feel peace and Happiness when I come over here to visit. Sandie
ReplyDeletethe post is very touching. it is always a good thing to know something new. be positive everyone. keep moving forward!!
ReplyDeletewww.amlmoving.com
I do take time to rest. When there are certain days so full that I can't, I just have to stay up and let all of the day's activities go before I sleep. If I don't, I won't sleep. I agree that too much activity is counter productive.
ReplyDeleteHi Brenda, I loved your post today, what a helpful and inspiring message. I really enjoyed the quote from Laura Ingalls Wilder. It shows the importance of balance, any good thing or quality if taken to an extreme can have difficult consequences. The whole idea of multi-tasking and being constantly busy, really robs us of our inner joy and the ability to see the beauty in life. I hope you have a lovely weekend ahead! Delisa :)
ReplyDeleteRest is so essential. I think we'd probably be so much happier and healthier if we got enough sleep and relaxation. In our school, the children who stay up late playing video games, etc., besides being tired are very emotional and often the ones who wind up crying in the corner by day's end. As adults, we may not cry or sleep at our desks, but we are short tempered and stressed out all for lack of rest.
ReplyDeletethis is such a powerful and thought provoking and mobilising post, Brenda... thank you for sharing such important thoughts. Helen x
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Brenda. I love this quote and will be hanging on to it to read again. The power of this wisdom is the simplicity it takes to execute. Love it!
ReplyDeleteOh Brenda! You always have the exact words of wisdom that I need. I'm a sleep-deprived mother of five under age 10. If any one in the house is awake for any reason, I'm awake too. And yes, it's been making me ill.
ReplyDeleteJust recently, I started putting "rest" on the top of my priority list. And even if it's just for 20min. here and there -- every little bit helps!
p.s. Free hugs at my place.