Today I received an affirmation of rest from the universe; and it was quite the wake up call. As I've talked about prior, people tend to be a lot harder on themselves when it comes to production while quickly noticing the hard efforts of others, and even applauding them for resting. Yet still, we find our own self to be underserving of unwinding. It is a terrifyingly horrible way to be wired, so more often than not we overexert ourselves. This could have been me today if it weren't for mother nature, but previous signs came up already in which I totally ignored.
Yesterday was Friday, the day most of us end our work week, and begin to look forward to a couple of days to relax. We're leaving a strenuous week of work to catch a 48 hour break from all the demands and expectations of our offices. But this weekend wasn't going to be R&R for this young woman, as I planned to pick up extra work in part of a campaign. Last weekend, I worked with this organization and definitely felt the days work in my body. I was glad to help, but definitely didn't get the same relaxation I usually get on my weekends; so as one could imagine, going back to work right away left me a little fatigued. As this work week came to an end, I contacted this organization to see what shifts I'd be working this weekend; and was told I not to come in. That should of been my first sign to just take a load off. But early this morning, that wasn't working for me. I had to do something. So I got ready and headed over to my community garden.
My community garden is so cute! I've taken lettuce and parsley home from it. Every time I go, I'm sure to work the entire volunteer hours. I work fast and hard and hurt all over once I'm done. There is this inherent need for me to feel pain to validate my efforts; and I should process that some more. Upon arriving to the campus, after taking my 10 minute stroll to get there, I am welcomed by closed gates and a lush, green, empty garden. This garden has never been closed since it opened, so I was not only stunned when I saw no one there, but I was granted another opportunity to hear the whispers of "go rest". Still I walked back home and began cleaning.
Chores were being knocked out all before noon today and it felt great! My laundry was done, my place is clean and I showered before getting ready to run errands. Before stepping out into the world, I usually have a turn up session, consisting of my music playing on my little pink speaker while posting myself jamming onto social media. During this session, outside when from slightly cloudy to a full on rain storm. The patters got progressively loud and fast; and I watched outside my window my plans become null and void. I probably would have still went with my umbrella, had I not left it in the office. So finally I received the message God had been telling me. She commanded me to rest. The rain was the only way I was going to take a step back.
Rest is so important because we need our bodies to be in top form for the sake of our productivity in the first place. You can't pour from an empty cup is a very real saying. As I continue looking out into the rain I reflect on my past week: working on my feet all day, walking 10 miles, my shins hurting, my back hurting, my allergies acting up, me yawning incessantly throughout the day. These are symptoms of a body yearning for rest. I tried so hard to not give it what it needs because of my need to feel useful. I was useful all week. And in my resting, there are still ways to be useful. Writing, talking to friends, and reading up on health tips, are just a few of the ways you can be sure your moment of rest is still yielding progress.
It is funny how life works. Reveals can come in the most interesting ways, but always with great impact. So if your body and mind is calling for rest, give it some. Believe it or not, you've contributed greatly to this wonderful society and you deserve to unwind.
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