Restoration in Nature Unlocking the Vital Significance of Rest for Wellbeing
Unveiling Nature's Lessons on the Essentiality of Rest
Image by Javier Díez / Stocksy
September 19, 2023
Welcome to the magical world of fall, where leaves change colors and nature puts on its most splendid show. Ah, the joy of watching vibrant reds and yellows dance in the breeze! Living in Los Angeles, I always missed this seasonal spectacle. But growing up in Georgia, I had the privilege of experiencing it firsthand. I remember collecting leaves for collages and hunting for ones as big as my face. It was a simple pleasure, appreciating the beauty that comes with the changing seasons and the impending arrival of winter’s dormancy.
In nature, dormancy is like hitting the snooze button on life. It’s a time for plants to rest and restore, conserving their energy and surviving harsh climates. Think of it as nature’s power nap, a break from the constant frenzy of growth. Just like us on a lazy Sunday afternoon, plants have their own internal alarm clock that tells them to slow down and take it easy. They don’t care about external conditions; they follow their own biological rhythms. It’s quite admirable, really.
Seeds, oh those tiny little powerhouses of potential, also embrace dormancy. They wait patiently, holding onto their dreams of abundance until the perfect moment arrives. They’re like the fashionistas of nature, refusing to settle for anything less than ideal conditions. It may reduce the yield, but hey, quality over quantity, right? They know that spring is their time to shine.
But it’s not just plants that deserve a break. Humans need periods of rest too. It’s in our DNA. Just like the egg and sperm taking a leisurely 24-hour nap before division, we are wired to tap into the sanctuary of rest. We might have to endure years of heartache and pain to fully grasp this concept, but it’s always been within us, patiently waiting for us to remember, waiting for us to come home and rest.
And what better way to embrace rest than with a flower meditation? Flowers are the epitome of beauty and openness, and they hold the secret to deep relaxation. It’s called “flower gazing,” a mindfulness practice that allows us to connect with the unique energy of flowers and tap into our innate power to rest. So grab a flower, find a comfortable seat, and let your worries melt away. Blink softly, smile gently, and observe the intricate details of the flower. Feel its energy, its vibrancy, and let yourself be mesmerized by its magnificence. Ah, bliss!
When you’ve finished your flower meditation, take a moment to express gratitude for this wonderful experience. Notice how you feel. Refreshed? Recharged? It’s amazing what a little rest can do.
So, my dear beauty and fashion enthusiasts, let’s not forget the importance of rest. Just like the leaves change colors in fall, let us also embrace the seasons of rest in our lives. It’s time to hit the snooze button and recharge our souls. Remember, rest is the true secret to beauty and fashion that never goes out of style.
Excerpted from “Permission to Rest” text copyright © 2023 by Ashley Neese. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Random House.
