The Wonder and Weapon of Rest

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.

  Wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places...
Brenda
xox