In this era of perpetual engagement, the notion of genuine rest may seem like a fanciful relic of bygone days. One could argue that a select few still engage in the authentic practice of rest, yet the majority appear to have strayed from this vital ritual. The insidious encroachment of social media, devices, and the age of distraction have left our collective ability to truly unwind severely compromised.
Photographed and styled by The Border of a Mind Studios
Consider our own habits: when presented with a moment of respite, what is our default mode? Do we reach for our phone or computer, peruse social media, or indulge in an online video binge? This tendency toward digital preoccupation is all too common, even for those who recognize its pitfalls.
After a long day’s work, do you find solace in further immersion into the digital realm? Is your leisure time filled with reading, watching, and messaging? For many, the answer is a resounding yes, leaving little room for authentic mental and physical rest.
The absence of genuine rest begets a pervasive weariness, a state in which we are never truly energized, present, or wholly alive. This depletion ripples through our relationships, draining them of vitality and connection, and ultimately siphoning joy from our lives. While this may not reflect your personal experience, the sentiment is likely familiar.
It is not uncommon to seek solace in digital distractions during moments of respite, only to find ourselves further drained rather than rejuvenated. This paradoxical pursuit of comfort leaves us wanting, deprived of the essential rest we deeply require.
It is time, then, to reacquaint ourselves with the Essence of True Repose, and explore the means by which we might reclaim it.
Four Facets of Genuine Repose
There exist myriad avenues to attaining true rest, each offering its own unique sense of nourishment and renewal:
- Embrace stillness by closing your eyes and lying down, devoid of external devices. This may manifest as a nap, or perhaps a meditative state.
- Venture into the natural world, free from technological tethers, and bask in the solace of nature, allowing your mind the space to expand and breathe.
- Share a moment of relaxation with a companion, fostering connection through gentle conversation or simply enjoying the warmth of each other’s presence.
- Engage in a simple, non-work-related activity with complete presence, such as savoring a cup of tea, soaking in a bath, or indulging in a self-care home routine. This time is reserved exclusively for the experience at hand, free from intrusive thoughts of work.
Other modalities of rest may include playing soulful music, creating digital art, writing, or praying. The aforementioned four, however, serve as personal favorites.
It is important to note that these forms of genuine repose require little in the way of equipment or specialized spaces. Their simplicity renders them easily accessible, and yet, we often neglect to embrace them.
Let us not forget the Essence of True Repose, and endeavor to reclaim the restorative power it holds.