Fall marks the beginning of many things we enjoy, football, cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, the start of our holidays, etcetera. Fall also ushers in shorter days, food temptations, cold and flu season and holiday stress. Are you a positive thinker or a negative thinker? In the midst of the fall season, do you see things that are dead and dying, or do you see the cycle of life whereby things can grow bigger and stronger in the spring?
You see, the fall “death” is necessary for our spring growth. We often find ourselves speeding up in the fall, but truly, fall is meant to be a time for slowing down, finding ways to rest so we have energy for what is ahead. Trees and plants that appear to be dying are simply going into rest mode. Spring growth and the blooming process requires a lot of energy. Rest is essential before growth. If you are like me, you are not resting enough. I find myself in the last quarter of each year speeding up to accomplish the tasks I had mapped out for the year. Guess what happens to me? I generally get sick in the last quarter of the year. This is my cue to stop and rest.
So, as you look down the road to what is coming in the final months of this year, carve out some days or just a few hours here and there for good old fashioned rest. Turn off your phone, and walk away from other electronic distracters like the TV and computer. Lying on your bed reading your news feed is not rest. True rest renews your mind, your strength and your health. A few examples: lying still and quiet in a bath, taking a nap, sitting outside in a quiet spot alone, practicing deep breathing in a dark closet, sleeping 7 – 8 hours per night, and so on. In short, if you do not rest, you cannot grow.
If you are frustrated by a lack of progress in an area of your life, resist the temptation to try harder to do better. Just rest. Take a step back so you can return to the task later with renewed strength and vigor. Happy Fall and Happy Resting!