We are living in a culture that values productivity and busyness over well being and worthiness not attached to merit. We are a sticker chart kind of society.
“what do you do?” it’s the first question we ask someone we meet. As if what we do is more important that who we are.
It’s not on purpose, or at least I’ve never intended to equate someone’s intrinsic value with their accomplishments. But, if I’m being honest I am the worst to myself. I have a very hard time resting. I often evaluate my day based on my accomplishments. Did I cook dinner, did I fold that load of laundry in the dryer. Tomorrow I will do better.
Finding rest or even a pause can feel like something I reward myself with, instead of intentionally building rest into my life. But, radical compassion means doing things radically different. I am now building in rest to life.
I’ve started with an afternoon period of rest. An hour for myself to read, or write, or nap. I don’t have to earn it or make up for that time. That time is mine because I am caring for myself and making sure my needs are met by me first. Also, a rest day on the weekend. Now, for me doing yoga and cleaning my house is not work. It is an act of service to myself. I consider it a time to be intentional in ending or even beginning a new week.
By allowing myself rest I hope I am being more honest about what I need and who I am. A person worthy of love and care not because of anything I have done, but because of who I am.
Sending you love and rest,
Erin