rest

Rest.

Such a short word but such a hard concept to grasp.

For me at least.

Lately I feel like I'm always on the go. Even when my body is still, my mind is racing- always moving, planning, rearranging my schedule.  Little, simple decisions become something entirely too big in my mind, as I think of what will happen before, during, and after each event and how I need to be prepared for it.  And if something does not go according to plan (of which I can always count on, because my days never seem to go as "planned"), I freeze.  For some reason, I find it very challenging to cope with the change of plans, whether big or small.  Because, in my mind, everything interconnects. It's difficult for me to compartmentalize events and situations; I therefore have an even more difficult time being in the present moment, which makes me sad.

This is a struggle for many.

For me, I am trying to be more intentional about resting, not only my body, but more importantly my mind and my spirit. This is essential to my well-being and to my level of sanity. I am learning that if I take time to rest and revive my spirit, letting go of my obsessive planning and giving up my need for control, I am much happier, more relaxed, and can actually function much more successfully.  It seems simple, but it's such a discipline lately for me.  I feel like I am constantly reminding myself to slow down and to just do the next thing.  Then, when I'm done with that, to do the next thing- instead of thinking of everything I need to do from now until next Christmas, feeling completely overwhelmed, and freezing again. 

To rest does not necessarily mean laying down and taking a nap. Resting is experienced in many different ways and is unique to each person.  My mind needs a break more than my body most of the time. I do my best resting when I paint or sew or read or even exercise.  Resting, for me, means putting down the planner. It means living, breathing, focusing on the moment, this moment- no matter how many things seem to be pressing against us.

Just get up and do the next thing.

Simple, right?