Rest

March 7, 2018 · by · in Blog

 

When you are advised- “get more rest”, what exactly does that mean?
My son has said, ” Mom, you just need to turn your brain off and rest it more”. What?
My sister and I live by, “Work, for the night is coming”- “Never put off for tomorrow what you can get done today”- we make lists and prize productivity.
A friend is known for rejecting rest by saying, “Time enough to rest when I am dead”.
Merriam Webster defines rest as : repose, sleep, a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities, freedom from activity or labor, state of motionlessness or inactivity, repose of death, peace of mind or spirit, a rhythmic silence in music, a brief pause in reading, something used for support.
The Biblical meaning of rest is based on the Hebrew word for rest- nuach or “to rest, to be quiet.” Or the Hebrew word shabat- “to cease or to rest”. The Greek word for rest is anapausis meaning cessation or refreshment. God set aside a Sabbath or day of rest.
If we are to “get more rest”, then the “peace of mind or spirit” and “freedom from activity or labor” sound like the right approach. The balance of action and inaction- how long does rest last? How much rest is enough? This just begs for more exploration. How can you tell?
I saw a friend at lunch on Sunday and dinner on Monday. I could tell a visible difference in their countenance.  She looked much more rested and I commented on it. What was the difference? A nap. Amazing what a break in the afternoon to allow for “rest” can do for your appearance. It also improves your stamina and enjoyment. On the other hand, I did not have a nap that day and was flagging by the 8:30 pm end of our dinner party.
The Oxford English definition is to cease work or movement in order to relax, sleep or recover strength, or allow to be inactive in order to regain strength or health, cease work or movement in order to relax, sleep, or recover strength.
So, I purpose today- and encourage you- to choose to rest more. Give yourself breaks during the day. Get good sleep. Take one day a week to just rest. Turn off electronics and phones. Turn off your mind and problem solving. Seek the inner rest through peace of mind and spirit. Give your body what it needs to replenish and recover- just rest!