Never seem to get it quite in sync but maybe that's the point. Rest my body but my mind is going in a thousand different directions. Rest my mind running focused only on my breathing
Lynn, I feel this so much. The body slows down but the mind keeps spinning, almost like they speak different languages. And yet, what you wrote at the end is powerful: sometimes the only thing they can agree on is the breath. Maybe that’s enough. Maybe syncing isn’t stillness, but presence in the swirl.
I wrote a lot about this in my book which is being published right now. One of the reasons why people get chronically constipated is because we put more value on constant movement than we do on rest and relaxation. In fact, I advocate for good old fashioned siesta whenever possible!
Wow Mary, what a powerful connection you’ve drawn between our obsession with movement and the body’s call for rest. I’m so curious about your book, it sounds like a much-needed perspective! And I wholeheartedly support the return of the good old-fashioned siesta! 😄🛏️
One of the things I noticed when I returned to siesta is that my breathing would be shallow at first when I'd lay down, almost like gasping for air. But in as little as a minute, I'd establish deep belly breaths, usually go to the bathroom and regain my energy to continue the day. Damn near everything we are told to do for better health is the exact opposite of what we actually need to thrive.
Mary, thank you so much for sharing your journey, what you describe is so striking. That shift from shallow to deep breathing in just a minute… it really highlights how quickly the body responds when we allow it to rest. And yes, it’s wild how often the “wellness” advice we’re given pulls us away from what we truly need. I’ll definitely check out your articles. So grateful for this exchange.
Yes! That inner push to always “do more” is exhausting, and so often glorified. I’m glad this post resonated with you. Let’s keep making space for stillness. 💙
Well said! Rest is not a rewards is a necessity. As critical as eating and having bathroom breaks. You are not doing you body and mind a "favour" by resting. You are providing what they need.
The idea that rest isn't a reward but a rhythm is so wonderfully put. It opens a field of possibilities and new pathways. Thank you for this poetic and necessary piece.
A wonderful essay. As a career healthcare worker, I often push myself until I drop. I'm slowly getting to the stage where I realized rest is not a luxury but an absolute necessity 😊
Never seem to get it quite in sync but maybe that's the point. Rest my body but my mind is going in a thousand different directions. Rest my mind running focused only on my breathing
Lynn, I feel this so much. The body slows down but the mind keeps spinning, almost like they speak different languages. And yet, what you wrote at the end is powerful: sometimes the only thing they can agree on is the breath. Maybe that’s enough. Maybe syncing isn’t stillness, but presence in the swirl.
so true, thank you for helping clarify. My life is a dance, and I'm leading!
Sometimes doing nothing is doing a lot for yourselves! Couldn't agree more with you.
Exactly this, Vinodini! Doing nothing is often the most generous thing we can do for our nervous systems. Thank you for putting it so beautifully.
Excellent post and reminder that ‘rest’ is not for sale or negotiation 🌸
Thank you, Eva 🌸 yes. Rest is not a luxury item to be earned or bargained for. It’s a birthright. Grateful it resonated with you.
I wrote a lot about this in my book which is being published right now. One of the reasons why people get chronically constipated is because we put more value on constant movement than we do on rest and relaxation. In fact, I advocate for good old fashioned siesta whenever possible!
Wow Mary, what a powerful connection you’ve drawn between our obsession with movement and the body’s call for rest. I’m so curious about your book, it sounds like a much-needed perspective! And I wholeheartedly support the return of the good old-fashioned siesta! 😄🛏️
I wrote three articles about my journey as a preface to the book. You can find the first article where I mention how exercise made me feel like crap here: https://nutritionheretic.substack.com/p/the-mary-ploppins-origin-story
One of the things I noticed when I returned to siesta is that my breathing would be shallow at first when I'd lay down, almost like gasping for air. But in as little as a minute, I'd establish deep belly breaths, usually go to the bathroom and regain my energy to continue the day. Damn near everything we are told to do for better health is the exact opposite of what we actually need to thrive.
Mary, thank you so much for sharing your journey, what you describe is so striking. That shift from shallow to deep breathing in just a minute… it really highlights how quickly the body responds when we allow it to rest. And yes, it’s wild how often the “wellness” advice we’re given pulls us away from what we truly need. I’ll definitely check out your articles. So grateful for this exchange.
It’s far too easy to feel the push to do, do, and do more. Love this post! 💙
Yes! That inner push to always “do more” is exhausting, and so often glorified. I’m glad this post resonated with you. Let’s keep making space for stillness. 💙
Well said! Rest is not a rewards is a necessity. As critical as eating and having bathroom breaks. You are not doing you body and mind a "favour" by resting. You are providing what they need.
Thank you, Diego, I couldn’t agree more. Rest isn’t a “favour” we do for ourselves, it’s a basic human need. I love how clearly you put it. 🙏
Thank you for putting it out there. More people need to hear about this
This was a beautiful read, Ana! :)
Thank you, Kawthar, I’m glad you liked it! :)
Thank you for writing this
Thank you for reading it, Monique :)
The idea that rest isn't a reward but a rhythm is so wonderfully put. It opens a field of possibilities and new pathways. Thank you for this poetic and necessary piece.
So glad it resonated with you, Matea.
A wonderful essay. As a career healthcare worker, I often push myself until I drop. I'm slowly getting to the stage where I realized rest is not a luxury but an absolute necessity 😊
So glad you’re finally giving yourself permission to rest, you deserve it.
Thank you for sharing this. It means a lot to hear from someone who’s spent a lifetime caring for others. Wishing you many soft pauses ahead. 🌿