I find myself in that transition time after vacation.  Having spent the day reviewing correspondence, updating my schedule and reconnecting with clients, I am surprised at how manageable it all seemed.  I admit that I generally do not relish the thought of a day dealing with more paper than people, so it causes reflection of what is different today. 

My observation is that today comes at the heels of almost two weeks away from my computer, my office and my home.  More than that, almost two weeks without obligations.  While the grandeur and wonder of our national parks, nights spent under a starry sky, a morning stroll along the Grand Canyon rim, and precious time with my sisters were restoring indeed; the healing potential of it all would have been greatly diminished had I felt obligated to “be available.”  Being unavailable is an important element of true rest.

It seems to me that the idea of rest is all but lost in our culture.  To “rest from our labors” is to have a break in routine; a lack of normal obligations and the ability to slow down – not just our bodies, but our minds.  Rest is not necessarily being idle, but having the ability to choose our activity.  Quieting our minds allows us to take in our present experience; something that is more the exception than the rule for many of us.

It’s All in the Balance
As in most of life, the balance of meaningful labor and rest is fundamental to sustainable health and well-being.  We need respite even from labors of love: building, teaching, raising children; even my therapy practice.  We have so much more to offer when we are refilled and refueled by true rest.  We have more of ourselves to “be available” when we want to be.  As a result, life feels more manageable, more enjoyable and more meaningful – whatever our labor is.

I seldom take two weeks of rest; but I occasionally take two days; often take two hours and regularly take two minutes.  Once we have an understanding of what “rest” really is, we can make it part of our lifestyle.  Experiment a little: turn off your phone; shut down your e-mail; close the office door and your eyes; get out of the office and take a walk on your lunch break; put an “unavailable” sign on your bedroom door; count how many sounds you hear from your back porch.  Search out what is restful to you and make time for it. I guarantee that everyone around you will thank you for it.