The Importance of Rest: Embracing Stillness in a Success-Oriented World

“When you rest, you catch your breath and it holds you up, like water wings…” ~ Anne Lamott

In our fast-paced, success-driven world, rest often feels like a luxury we just can’t afford. The constant hustle, the ever-present to-do lists, and the pressure to achieve can make rest seem like a distant dream. However, rest is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s essential for our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Just as horses take moments to graze, wander, and rest, we too must embrace the different forms of rest to lead a balanced and fulfilling life.  When we think of rest we often think of sleep. However, there are many different kinds of rest that we can benefit from.

– Physical Rest: Physical rest involves activities that help our bodies recover from the daily wear and tear. This includes sleep, napping, and activities that promote relaxation like yoga or gentle stretching. For horses, physical rest is seen in their grazing patterns and moments of stillness, conserving energy for bursts of activity.

– Mental Rest: Mental rest is about giving our minds a break from constant stimulation. This can be achieved through mindfulness practices, meditation, or simply taking breaks during work to avoid cognitive overload. Horses exhibit mental rest by engaging in repetitive, calming behaviors like chewing or slow walking.

– Emotional Rest: Emotional rest is crucial for processing our feelings and maintaining our emotional health. This can involve talking to a trusted friend, journaling, or spending time in nature. Horses are excellent teachers of emotional rest, often reflecting our emotions back to us and encouraging us to stay present and connected.

– Sensory Rest: In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded with sensory input. Sensory rest involves reducing sensory overload by limiting screen time, lowering noise levels, and creating a calm environment. Horses often retreat to quieter areas when they need a break from sensory input, teaching us the importance of finding our own quiet spaces.

– Creative Rest: Creative rest is essential for those who engage in problem-solving and creative thinking. It involves engaging in activities that inspire and rejuvenate us, such as spending time in nature, enjoying art, or engaging in a hobby. Horses, with their playful and curious nature, remind us to find joy and creativity in simple moments.

Rest is fundamental to our overall health and well-being. Here are some key benefits:

• Improved Physical Health: Adequate rest helps in muscle recovery, boosts the immune system, and reduces the risk of chronic illnesses.
• Enhanced Mental Clarity: Mental rest improves focus, cognitive function, and creativity.
• Emotional Balance: Emotional rest helps in managing stress, reducing anxiety, and improving overall mood.
• Increased Productivity: Rest prevents burnout, leading to sustained productivity and creativity.
• Better Relationships: Rest allows us to be more present and connected with others, improving our relationships.

The horses and I invite you to experience a few minutes of rest with them now.

 

Stopping to rest can feel counterproductive.  The pressure to constantly achieve can make rest seem like a weakness. However, just as horses need periods of rest to maintain their health and vitality, we too need to prioritize rest to function at our best. The fear of falling behind or not measuring up can make it challenging to embrace stillness. But it’s in these moments of rest that we find the clarity and strength to move forward more effectively.

Incorporating rest into our lives doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are some small steps to make rest a priority:

– Schedule Rest: Just as you schedule meetings and tasks, schedule time for rest. This could be a short nap, a walk in nature, or a few minutes of meditation. One practise I’ve been engaging in regularly is non sleep- deep rest (NSDR). NSDR practices are techniques that promote deep relaxation and rest without the need for sleep. These practices can help rejuvenate the mind and body, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. One popular NSDR practice is Yoga Nidra, also known as “yogic sleep”. You can find free-guided practices on Youtube.

– Create Restful Environments: Designate a space in your home or workplace where you can unwind and relax. This could be a cozy corner with a comfortable chair, soft lighting, and calming scents. Make time in your day to visit this space and rest.

– Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices to stay present and reduce stress. Horses, with their grounding presence, are excellent companions for mindfulness activities. Learn more about our equine meditation and grounding programs.

– Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to activities and commitments that drain your energy. Engaging in activities that don’t align with your soul’s purpose or values can be particularly draining. These activities can leave you feeling exhausted, unfulfilled, and disconnected from your true self. Just as horses instinctively know which environments and behaviours are best for their well-being, we too must be attuned to what truly nourishes our spirit and what depletes it. By setting boundaries and saying no to such draining commitments, we can preserve our energy for what truly matters and brings us joy. It will feel uncomfortable at first when you make this shift but like any muscle you work, it will get stronger.

– Reflect on Your Needs: Regularly check in with yourself to assess what type of rest you need. Your needs may change, and it’s important to be flexible and responsive. If you’ve never done this before, start by finding a quiet space where you can sit comfortably without distractions. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and ask yourself, “What type of rest do I need right now?” Tune in to your heart and listen to the answer that arises. It might be physical rest, emotional rest, or a different type altogether. Trust the answer you get, even if it surprises you. This practice of checking in with yourself can become a valuable tool in maintaining your overall well-being, much like a horse listening to its instincts to seek out what it needs.

By embracing rest in its various forms, we can improve our physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being. Just as horses teach us the importance of stillness and presence, we too can learn to incorporate rest into our lives and thrive in both personally and professionally. Making rest a priority is an act of self-love and you are worthy of your own love. Rest and watch your life transform!