Hibernation Mode
Here in Maryland we are in the midst of a total freeze. Yesterday it got a bit warmer, but the wind was ‘bone-chilling’ (as my husband called it, after coming in from taking our two doggies around the block). Looking at the forecast, I’m not sure when or where the end of this cold weather will come.
Even as I write this post, I look to my right and then to my left. Two doggies, curled up by the fire, sleeping to their heart’s content. Such peaceful (and cute) energy.
Maybe this cold spell is a subtle reminder to turn inward, to become quiet, to value the peace of spiritual self.
Insights from the Block
As I went through my morning routine (Morning Pages journal, meditation and visualization, intentional affirmations and gratitude) I embraced a realization. Well two, really.
- ‘Being’ is necessary and this non-doing leads to greater productivity
- Tending to, honoring and sharing my light illuminates everything around me
I’m sure you can relate, as a nurse- a mother- a wife- a human being. Our culture looks down on laziness. If we are not engaged in some form of productivity we must be wasting time. Think about your workplace, do you have a co-worker or colleague on your team that others judge as ‘lazy’? Do you get down on yourself when you need to take a rest?
Rest is Your Greatest Resource
The hustle and bustle never ends. We race through the holiday season only to be blasted with New Year’s resolutions. Then springtime comes and we’re pressured into more activity, longer days and busier nights. Summertime brings about vacations, but when was the last time you actually took a restful, non-doing break of a trip? Life is just non-stop go-go-go.
Nursing is no different than every day life.
We get into the day, take on our assignment and it’s move-move-move. You don’t have time to eat and you barely find a minute to use the restroom. When you leave you wonder, where did the time go? Did I get it all done?
Taking a rest allows you to nourish your entire being. When you pause in the nothingness of non-doing you are not being lazy. I’m not sure how ‘lazy’ got all wrapped up in the beauty of rest. Beating yourself up for taking a break has just got to stop.
When you rest you:
- Learn more about yourself;
- Require less self-help products and services;
- Get to hear what your heart wants;
- Tap into your greatest strengths;
- Are so much more capable of helping others;
- Become much more productive in what you need to get done.
Shine Your Light
This list is by-no-means extensive or exhaustive. There are many more benefits that you and I could add. In fact, I will ask you to comment on this below. But first, let’s close with a quote that speaks volumes to any and every nurse’s heart.
As a nurse, you want to help other people right? What better way to help another person than by allowing your own self to shine for this world to see. When you illuminate your gifts, through proper and necessary rest, you are doing a much-needed service to yourself, your patients, your colleagues and everyone you meet and greet.
In the words of Marianne Williamson: “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
What can you add to the list above? How does resting help you thrive? When you take time to take a break, what benefits do you enjoy in future moments of your being?
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