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Motivation Mondays: REST

01/05/2017
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“Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” Ralph Marston

Motivation Mondays: REST - We all need it

Motivation Mondays: REST – We all need it

Motivation Mondays: REST - We all need it

Motivation Mondays: REST – We all need it

When I’m tired, I rest. I say, ‘I can’t be a superwoman today.’ Jada Pinkett Smith
I believe the reason we sleep is not just to allow our body to rest but that it is to allow this inner wisdom to speak to us through symbols. This includes the body or somatic problems as well as psychological ones. Dreams and drawings are useful in diagnosing physical conditions. Bernie Siegel

Today is May Day and it can be described, aptly, as the midway point between the arrival of spring and the summer solstice. We can make time this season to not only refresh ourselves, by packing away our heavy winter gear and spring cleaning, but also by getting some much needed rejuvenating rest. This is a great time to reevaluate all the promises, resolutions, and commitments we made, at the beginning of the year, and rid ourselves of the ones that no longer serve us. I know that some might think it’s ironic that last week’s post was about Living Life Fully and now this week’s is about rest… But, you know, we need both. We can’t give our best if we don’t get our rest! We need to make sure that we are fully engaged in our responsibilities as well as our period of restful recovery. With summer on the way, we need to hit that pause button and consider ways to reign in the stressors and get plenty of health affirming rest.  To avoid joining the league of people who feel knackered on a regular basis, we must learn how to Rest, Release, Relax, Rejuvenate and Restore ourselves. We deserve it! Go, grab a cuppa tea or beverage of choice, sit down, put your feet up and read the rest of this post … slowly. Are you resting enough? How do we do that and what are you doing to prepare yourself for the long and hectic summer days ahead?

A Story: The Power Of Restfulness
There once lived a samurai who was plagued by a large and clever rat who had the run of the house. This annoyed the samurai to no end so he went to the village to but a cat. A street vendor sold him a cat that he said would catch the rat, and indeed the cat looked trim and fit. But the rat was even quicker than the cat and after a week with no success the samurai returned the cat.
This time the vendor pulled out a large and grizzled cat and guaranteed that no rat could escape this master mouser. The rat knew enough to stay clear of this tough alley cat, but when the cat slept, the rat ran about. Half the day the rat would hide, but the other half he again had run of the place. The samurai brought the cat back to the vendor who shook his head in despair saying he had given the samurai his best cat and there was nothing more he could do.
Returning home with his money, the samurai happened upon a monk and sought his advise. After hearing the samurai’s story the monk offered him the services of the cat that lived in the temple. The cat was old and fat and he scarcely seemed to notice
when he was carried away by the doubtful samurai. For two weeks the cat did little more than sleep all day and night. The samurai wanted to give the cat back to the temple but the monk insisted he keep him a while longer assuring him the rat’s days were close to an end. The rat became accustomed to the presence of the lazy old cat and was soon up to his old tricks even, on occasion, brazenly dancing around the old cat as he slept.
Then one day, as the rat went about his business without any concern, he passed close by the cat who swiftly struck out his paw and pinned the rat to the floor. The rat died instantly. Source: The Thirty-Six Strategies of Ancient China

 

“We need society, and we need solitude also, as we need summer and winter, day and night, exercise and rest.” Philip Gilbert Hamerton

Motivation Mondays: REST - We all need it

Motivation Mondays: REST – We all need it

I love you – I am at rest with you – I have come home. Dorothy L. Sayers
The earth is supported by the power of truth; it is the power of truth that makes the sun shine and the winds blow; indeed all things rest upon truth. Chanakya

 

Why do we allow stress to dominate our lives? We often forget to make peace with things that get in our way and move forward with things that enrich our lives. Until we make time to do what matters, make peace with/let go of the rest, we will remain torn by our desires. The constant pull to fulfill every demand  on our time, the endless back and forth, will eventually affect our health. We don’t have to be involved in everything to feel accomplished or fulfilled. Be judicious and prioritize so that you have time to kick back and observe the world around you. My Pastor gave a riveting message last Sunday and his advice is the sort of common sense advice we would get from our loved ones or even from our parents back in the days when we were still at home and running ourselves ragged. Here are a few tips to get you to that place of rest: 1. Accept that as humans we have limitations and we need to use our time wisely. 2. Recognize that life has its trials and tribulations and that the best way to deal with a problem is to sleep on it not stew in it. Sleeping on it means giving it some distance so you can reflect on productive, rational actions and outcomes instead of choosing the path of hysteria. It is amazing how time and reflection can give us the creative space to come up with the best solutions to issues… Don’t give up the time you need to contemplate a problem and find solutions.

A Short Story: Rest & Release the Miseries
One night, under the starry sky, the circle was quiet and members seemed pensive. Badger broke the silence and said, “You know, I can’t visualize myself expiring completely.” Raven said, “A ghost.”
Badger said, “Even ghosts are not impermanent, though, are they?”
Raven said, “Take care of your miseries now, and they won’t abide.” Source: Zen Master Raven

 

The details for Motivation Mondays are below. Join in! The themes for March/April 2017 are:

 

APRIL

04/03 –    6 International Day of Sport, 7 World Health Day
04/10 –    9 Palm Sunday, 11 Start of Passover, 14 Good Friday
04/17 –    16 Easter,  22 Earth Day,
04/24 –    24 Remembrance Day

MAY

05/01  – May Day, World Lyme Day, 02 National Teacher Day, 03 World Press Freedom, 04 National Day of Prayer,
05 Cinco De Mayo, 06 Kentucky Derby
05/14 –  14 Mothers Day, 20 Armed Forces Day
05/21 –  22 International Biological Diversity, 24 National Brother Day, 25 Ascension, 27 Ramadan starts
05/28 – 29 Memorial Day, 31 World No Tobacco Day

 

 

Are You Looking for Ways to Stay Creative in 2017?

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– Join the Daily Post Post-a-day or Post-a-week Challenge.

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— Join the BlogHer Writing Lab

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“Rest until you feel like playing, then play until you feel like resting, period. Never do anything else.” Martha Beck

Motivation Mondays: REST - We all need it

Motivation Mondays: REST – We all need it

What is without periods of rest will not endure. Ovid
I just want to say, good night, sweet prince, may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Harry Dean Stanton
At rest, however, in the middle of everything is the sun. Nicolaus Copernicus

What more can we do to ensure that we get the rest we need? 3. Create space in your schedule for free time and down time. During that time, stop whatever you are doing that you call work and  get in a comfy position in a favorite chair, and put your feet up and day dream, meditate, do something fun and free… Even a period of silence and contemplation can work wonders for your mind, body and spirit. 4. Cut back on your endless list of To-do activities. Prune them back and make a habit of looking at your calendar to prune back the tendency many of us have to overbook ourselves… Do it feeling guilt free.

5.  Do your best while doing less, and trust that the rest will be taken care of by a force greater than ourselves. When we apply our utmost to the task at hand and then step away knowing we gave it our best shot, we  must let go of a need to control the results. Step back, go get some rest and remain grounded and confident in the fact that you gave it your all during that set time you were focused on the work. Some of us work in a distracted haphazard way and then we wonder why our work is shoddy or not effective. Apply yourself fully and then step aside….  6. Exhale – Don’t forget to breathe. It amazes me how often we hold our breath over a multitude of things. Stand up, take a deep and full breath in a conscious way, and release the air and imagine the tension you bottled up all day disappearing. Do this several times a day and you’ll notice a great shift.What else? What R & R tips do you have up your sleeve?

A Story: Rest with all in Moderation
Soyen Shaku, the first Zen teacher to come to America, said: “My heart burns like fire but my eyes are as cold as dead ashes.” He made the following rules which he practiced every day of his life. In the morning before dressing, light incense and meditate. Retire at a regular hour.
Partake of food at regular intervals. Eat with moderation and never to the point of satisfaction. Receive a guest with the same attitude you have when alone. When alone, maintain the same attitude you have in receiving guests. Watch what you say, and whatever you say, practice it.
When an opportunity comes do not let it pass you by, yet always think twice before acting. Do not regret the past. Look to the future.
Have the fearless attitude of a hero and the loving heart of a child. Upon retiring, sleep as if you had entered your last sleep. Upon awakening, leave your bed behind you instantly as if you had cast away a pair of old shoes. Source: Zen Flesh, Zen Bones

Hello All… We need you to chill out!

 

Have a Happy, Healthy 2017!

Any Zen Antics stories via Goodweb.cn

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Positive Motivation Tip: Rest, Release, Relax, Rejuvenate and Restore yourself. You’ve earned it.

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMondays Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to compliment the page. It serves as another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.

Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, use WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM
Related Posts

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos via Wikipedia  and/or Rest,   via Pixabay

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

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from → Global Events, Motivation Mondays, Positive Advice, Posts & Photos 2017
105 Comments leave one →
  1. Nicole Herose Cochingco - Escat permalink
    02/05/2017 12:22 am

    Sleep and stress have similar affects on your cardiovascular stress. Being well rested can reduce stress levels and improve your overall health. There are also spiritual benefits to rest as well. The bible has several references to the value of rest and restoration.

    Reply
  2. Lucee Santini permalink
    02/05/2017 12:54 am

    The bible has several references to the value of rest and restoration. Exodus chapter 20: 8-11, describes how God himself rested after he completed his work in 6 days.

    Reply
  3. Sona Jain permalink
    02/05/2017 2:05 am

    Its quite motivational. I definitely need to read this this kind of content to get myself going on a Monday morning.

    Reply
  4. Amanda Love permalink
    02/05/2017 2:16 am

    That’s what I’ve been doing for the past couple of days. It’s really important to get plenty of rest especially if you’re feeling overworked. This post is such a good reminder for all of us.

    Reply
  5. travel blogger permalink
    02/05/2017 2:55 am

    What a great post! Today, we are all so busy and constantly connected that it feels like we never have a moment to rest. Even when I sit down to “rest” I am working on my phone. We all need that time away to completely shut off our brains and just let ourselves think without being bombarded by stimulation. This is a reminder to me to make time for myself.

    Reply
  6. Ana De-Jesus permalink
    02/05/2017 6:12 am

    I am definitely guilty of letting myself get stressed when I don’t need to be stressed. Like you said I have to accept that as a human I have limitations and can’t do everything x

    Reply
  7. MakeItWithMissy permalink
    02/05/2017 6:48 am

    I might join you for some of these Motivation Mondays. Which I had seen this yesterday – Lyme Disease is something that had a major impact on my life for a while.

    I also love that you encourage rest and relaxation in this post. I’m a person who’s constantly busy doing something, but lately I’ve been forcing myself to relax more. It helps my mind and body.

    Reply
  8. Beth Davidson permalink
    02/05/2017 6:58 am

    I would love to follow this advice, and definitely need to cut back on my to-do list, but it seems so impossible with my daughter arriving next month. I really need to figure out a way not to postpone zen!

    Reply
  9. Andrea Broom permalink
    02/05/2017 7:30 am

    this was such great post to read at the place I am in life right now, I like the when I need rest, I rest It is so important. Such an important thing, I know I have a hard time resting and just slowing down when I need to.

    Reply
  10. Jessica Taylor permalink
    02/05/2017 7:42 am

    I definitely don’t get enough rest. My toddler runs me out of energy before lunch lol

    Reply
  11. Yuen Mi permalink
    02/05/2017 7:51 am

    There’s so many things nowadays that stresses me out. I really do need motivation Monday, a rest day, where I have absolutely nothing to do. Thanks for the reminder. I really do need to sit down sometimes and just reflect on why I let my stress dominate my life.

    Reply
  12. Donna Ashworth permalink
    02/05/2017 9:32 am

    This is my favourite of all your articles so far! I felt instantly rested just even looking at the images, lovely!

    Reply
  13. GiGi Eats Celebrities permalink
    02/05/2017 9:48 am

    I honestly do not know how to rest. I just can’t do it. I am so active and I know at times my body is like SLOW YOUR ROLL!!!

    Reply
  14. Chelsea Elizabeth permalink
    02/05/2017 10:12 am

    Routine is key! I really struggled and always found myself to be, now I have routine I’m still busy but I’m also productive. A good balance is so important

    Reply
  15. Author Brandi Kennedy permalink
    02/05/2017 10:31 am

    That last story here is stuffed FULL of small wisdoms that mean huge things when practiced regularly, isn’t it? We forget sometimes how important it can be just to stop striving and let ourselves rest – but the body demands it and so does the soul.

    Reply
  16. Cindy Ingalls permalink
    02/05/2017 10:41 am

    This post could not have come at a better time. I was just thinking about how important rest is in my life. I need it to recharge and keep up my creativity.

    Reply
  17. Ravi permalink
    02/05/2017 11:48 am

    I agree, we get stressed for simple reasons. Stress is all in the mind.I think Meditation can calm us down quite a lot…

    Reply
  18. Jolene permalink
    02/05/2017 12:11 pm

    I am so guilty of not taking time to recharge. Every year I say i will, but here I am, on the second day of May, overwhelmed and burnt out.

    Reply
  19. greentk726 permalink
    02/05/2017 12:11 pm

    Oh my goodness such a wonderful post! Rest is so hard for me and I suffer greatly because of not resting enough! The stories you shared in this post were so good! I especially love the samurai one.

    Reply
  20. Kimberly C. permalink
    02/05/2017 12:50 pm

    I so need to listen to this advised. I need to rest because I’m tired and lacking sleep. So important to replenish yourself.

    Reply
  21. Kristine Nicole Alessandra permalink
    02/05/2017 2:10 pm

    Oh yes. The elusive rest. Most of my life I have been wanting that, to hold it in the palm of my hands, but it keeps escaping me. Someday, I know, I will be granted the blessing. Hopefully, when that time comes, I am still strong and able to walk.

    Reply
  22. munakenny permalink
    02/05/2017 4:45 pm

    We mostly tend to make resolutions at the beginning of the year, I like the thought of having to change our minds and set new goals any time of the year!

    Reply
  23. Claudia permalink
    02/05/2017 5:18 pm

    I loved the answer to the question “Why do we let stress dominate our lives” . Stress really does dominate our lives at some point or another especially in this day and age that everyone seems to be racing or everything seems like a competition. And I do think that change starts once we start realizing that we need to use our time wisely! Great advice

    Reply
  24. Jennifer permalink
    02/05/2017 5:29 pm

    I am a mom of 4 children with one on the way. I could use a TON of rest! 🙂 When I feel overwhelmed or stressed, I try to either take a break or reevaluate my schedule. My husband also helps me out a lot when I need a break, which I am very grateful for his care!

    Reply
  25. Claudia H. Blanton permalink
    02/05/2017 5:38 pm

    I agree with the sentiment of making free time, and rest time a part of the schedule. It took me a while to see that importance, but in order to not get overwhelmed with demands, I find it necessary in order to function properly. Thanks for the motivation to stay on that track. Blessings!

    Reply
  26. Karen Yannacio Morse permalink
    02/05/2017 5:39 pm

    The thing is, I would love to schedule out some “free time” for me. I just cant figure out how to do that. Its almost 9:00pm and I am still finding work to do. Whats the secret? haha…

    Reply
  27. alisonrost permalink
    02/05/2017 5:49 pm

    I’ve been purposing more rest time into my life this past month. It’s made a world of difference. I’ve found that if I’m able to slow down a bit .. I’m actually far more productive overall. Great post. Great reminder.

    Reply
  28. Shannon Graham permalink
    02/05/2017 5:56 pm

    It’s hard to sometimes allow ourselves to relax and catch up. By the time May hits, it’s already been a busy year!

    Reply
  29. Drake Conan VA permalink
    02/05/2017 6:03 pm

    Rest in the form of sleep is critical to losing fat and feeling less hungry. If your workout or diet isn’t as effective as you think it might be, consider getting more rest.

    Reply
  30. Elizabeth permalink
    02/05/2017 6:06 pm

    In a world where we are constantly busy, it’s so important to rest. Your picture collage is so peaceful!

    xo, Elizabeth

    Reply
  31. Anh Luu permalink
    02/05/2017 6:28 pm

    I just love these motivational Monday posts!! Everyone needs a picker upper like this on Mondays 🙂

    Reply
  32. Melanie Smith permalink
    02/05/2017 6:42 pm

    There are so many ways to rest our body and our soul. Thank you for this motivation, perfect for start a new week.

    Reply
  33. Wren permalink
    02/05/2017 7:08 pm

    It is a great thing to remember to rest. I love your collage of images representing rest. Makes me feel ready to put on some warm slippers and have some R&R.

    Reply
  34. courtneyrandrews permalink
    02/05/2017 7:14 pm

    Rest is truly so important. Especially with all the stresses surrounding us each day, it can be so easy to get caught up and become unwell.

    Reply
  35. Angela Zimsky permalink
    02/05/2017 7:16 pm

    I agree that it is so important to slow down and rest some times. I live a very busy life and find that there are some days that I just want to collapse. A cuppa tea and foot massage from the husband is just what the doctor ordered.

    Reply
  36. Marcie in Mommyland permalink
    02/05/2017 7:21 pm

    I’m learning to rest more. It’s underrated and I feel like there’s so much pressure to keep pushing even when we are tired physically and mentally.

    Reply
  37. roadaviator permalink
    02/05/2017 7:33 pm

    I like your style and love to read your motivations style. In addition to that the pics that you use are inspiring and motivating. Just bookmarked your blog!!
    Thanks for expressing your views.

    Reply
  38. terristeffes permalink
    02/05/2017 7:36 pm

    Stress seems to be a common factor in my life lately. However, my body makes its wishes known and I rest when I need to!

    Reply
  39. toastycritic permalink
    02/05/2017 7:54 pm

    I love the notions of rest here. I know that it’s something we don’t get enough of. In fact a few coworkers and I today were discussing that we should be having siestas where we are at because we need to be able to rest in order to do better. I also love the photo with the fire and the coffee cup. An amazing photo.

    Reply
  40. RonRon permalink
    08/05/2017 9:10 pm

    A timely read for me. Rest, for me, is like restarting my mind and body. Without it, I can;t accomplish anything for the whole week,

    Reply
  41. darmarq permalink
    08/05/2017 9:31 pm

    Rest is more than important. It is what recharges us. It is also something I need MUCH more of haha.

    Reply
  42. Tiffany Yong permalink
    10/05/2017 11:59 am

    I remember the phrase, “Don’t Stop when you’re tired. Stop when you’re done” when I eead your article. To rest is to allow the body and mind to go even further~

    Reply
  43. DrKLeeBanks permalink
    14/09/2018 8:01 pm

    As usual, your photos so accurately reflect your theme. I feel rested just looking at them! Stress and rest are certainly complete opposites, and I definitely need more REST in my life and less stress.

    Reply

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