“How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterward”
–Spanish Proverb.
Rest. Doesn’t that sound simply divine?
If it’s so delicious, why is it that we don’t put our feet up and close our eyes more often? Winston Churchill is famous for his afternoon catnaps. Siesta time has been a main staple of the Spanish culture for centuries, and most businesses close their doors every afternoon. It doesn’t seem to affect their productivity one bit.
The benefits of sleep, of course, are well documented. It repairs and restores balance to the body, boosts the immune system, promotes longevity, recharges our batteries, beautifies, and elevates!
Research shows that napping from twenty to sixty minutes increases brain connectivity, decision making, problem solving, and creativity. Veronique Vienne, in her inspiring book The Art of Doing Nothing, has a lot to say on the benefits of taking naps:
“Sleep research shows that below the surface of a peaceful snooze, a complex physiological process is taking place… While we sleep sophisticated sequences of brain waves transform our inert bodies into humming power stations that produce intelligence, alertness, and discernment… Surrending to slumber does more than just restore the ability to function efficiently – it actually generates that clear and transparent state of mind we call wakefulness.”
Yes, wakefulness – as in an expanded state of consciousness – that fabulous byproduct of clutter clearing that we’ve been talking about since page one.
Next time you think that you’re just catching a few z’s consider that you are also sending a powerful message about creating space for yourself – for downtime, slow time, soul time.
What do you say? How about making a little time today to close your eyes? Get up from where you are sitting. Close the office door. Find a park bench. Curl up somewhere and relax. Once you’ve found your spot, wiggle around in it until you feel perfectly supported in a state of utter ahhh.
–Excerpted from Chapter 37, “Rest” – Your Spacious Self: Clear the Clutter and Discover Who You Are by Stephanie Bennett Vogt
Hierophant Publishing © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Art Credit: Hammock photo, source unknown
