Relearning Rest
How many hours of the day are you at ease? Not just not working– but at peace. Calm. Present. Happy to stay in that moment, without a sense of frenzy or urgency.
I am never like that. Well, when I am, it is so shocking that I notice it right away. Being at ease certainly isn’t my most common state of being. But it should be.
When I was a kid, I was mostly at ease. Now that I am an adult, I am harried. I am constantly trying to tick things off of my to-do list. But I think I am missing out on a lot in life by being this way. I am not even being incredibly productive, just giving myself the illusion that I am.
Perhaps rest would make me more productive. It would certainly sharpen my mind and soften my edges. I would be a better friend and sister. I would be healthier and could spend more time doing the things that I genuinely enjoy.
After I read Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey, I realized that I do not allow myself time for rest. I don’t feel I deserve it. So I started to intentionally notice and cultivate moments when I am at ease- knowing that I do deserve it. There have been a few so far.
Noticing Moments of Rest
Recently, I was sitting on a bench at a park on a beautiful day. My headphones were in and after about half an hour of being there, I noticed that I had been listening to one song on repeat for that entire time. I had sat there, completely lost in people watching and the feel of the warm summer air on my skin. That was a moment of genuine ease and enjoyment.
Another moment happened when I had just arrived home before a thunderstorm hit. I plopped myself down on the couch and lay there listening to the heavy rainfall hit the world outside my open window. No background music. No podcast blaring through the speakers. No television playing. Just the sound of rainfall and my thoughts. Another moment of genuine ease.
Inviting Rest
I can’t seem to force these moments; sometimes I have too much mental and emotional momentum. But as I practice finding these moments and staying in them, I am noticing my frenzy lift. The sliver of time that I allow for ease is slowly starting to grow. Ease cannot be demanded of yourself, but it can be invited; hopefully as a regular guest. One that you can sit with for hours and have a cup of tea with and feel no guilt.
Messy Bun Book Lover
(Originally posted on July 29, 2025)
Read Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey → https://amzn.to/47i5yh6
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