Rest

Having refused to exhaust myself over the Christmas holidays, I am happy to report a renewed energy and enthusiasm for all things work related (even filing).  I’m amazed how important rest is to our productivity, our joy for work. 

I sometimes wonder if our kids get enough time to rest.  During the week there is such a pace to life, I wonder how many kids just have down time, away from electronics but not filled with anything else. Last night my kids pulled all the pillows off the couches in the house and set up what my twelve year old William described as an ‘agility test’.  With trepidation I glanced out the French doors of my office to see my son leaping off the kitchen stool landing on an ottoman ten feet away.  Whatever they were doing, it was extremely noisy and both kids ran into my office red faced and sweaty. My kids were resting.  Away from the rush of busy, they found a space to be creative, physical and playful. Rest doesn’t always mean moving.  Rest can be a place of creativity, reflection, playfulness and movement.  Sometimes the best rest is going outside and walking the dog, shooting some hoops, or chasing each other around the living room.

Over the holidays I ‘rested’ by catching up with some yoga, taking long walks and playing on the ski hill.  I feel extremely energized by my time of play, ready to take on the challenges of piles of paper, deadlines and business travel once again. My kids are really good at telling me that they want more play time. Even if your kids can’t find the words, create some space for them to discover their own version of resting.  You may be surprised at what emerges.

Silken