Why do we feel guilty to rest?
Alone time at Church of Ayios Nikolas, a Byzantine Church on Naxos Island, Greece.
An epiphany I experienced while traveling solo in Greece - “Rest is an integral part of nature.”
(Incidentally “Epiphany” is derived from the Ancient Greek word “epiphaneia” which means manifestation).
In nature, there is a cycle of seasons where hibernation typically happens during Winter; a new lease of life is experienced in Spring, everything is at its peak in Summer and Fall sees shedding of weight in preparation for another minimal-action Winter.
In fact, on the island of Naxos, the tourists season only lasts 4 months in a year. I learnt from a boutique lady that she leaves her home in Athens to be in Naxos just for the season and she returns home after that to hibernate. While I understood what she said, I had difficulty rationalizing it as an Asian.
Being born in Asia, we get “Summer” throughout the year. While the consistency makes many things more predictable, psychologically we are constantly in a state of productivity. Since we don’t get to experience seasonal downtime, being in the state of slow or non-activity makes us feel useless. We beat ourselves up. We are overcome with a sense of guilt. Although if we look to nature again, hibernation is absolutely necessary in order to kickstart the new season.
And as with nature, plants that get excessive light exposure will develop unnatural growth, including formation of algae. As humans, we will also develop fatigue and eventually illness and pre-mature death due to our constant state of overproduction.
This is especially poignant to me now as I learnt of the sudden passing of an amazing ex-colleague who passed away yesterday morning due to stroke (I learnt he has been shouldering a lot of work-related stress of late). He was only 49 year old and generally fit. I will always remember him as a gentle soul who treats everyone with kindness and respect.
I am reminded once again to look to nature for the true rhythm of life. Rest is not a sin, it is a necessity.
Hibernation is a natural cycle of life. In fact, studies have shown our body repairs itself best when we have proper rest. Our immune system is strengthened. Our mind, heart and soul are renewed.
At The Plant Story, we understand an urbanite’s conundrum to rest. Therefore we are convicted to introduce our Nature Bath Immersion program where we guide and teach intentional rest which can be easily achieved amidst your busy schedule. Each time we listen to the testimonies from our participants, we are affirmed of our approach.
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