The radical notion of rest
The radical notion of rest
I have noticed a theme permeate my conversations with friends, the podcasts I listen to, the articles I scroll and the books I flick through in bookstores: rest.
I have noticed a theme permeate my conversations with friends, the podcasts I listen to, the articles I scroll and the books I flick through in bookstores: rest.
I figure if it’s something we are talking and reading about, it must be at the forefront of most people’s minds, not just my own. It’s the cultural moment of 2022. Given it’s at the front of our collective consciousness, logic would suggest it’s also something we’re doing, right? Probably not.
Like most people, I have hit the wall of burnout. In a world of shifting deadlines, multiple projects, and humanitarian causes that all deserve my full attention, the boundaries between the outside world and my interior life have been trampled.
The resulting chaos adds to my low humming anxiety. I internally chastise myself for leaving messages on read, delude myself that Vegemite on toast can constitute dinner, and fall into the shameful (but relatable) habit of endless Instagram scrolling in the precious hours between landing in bed and actually falling asleep.
At first, when I noticed my fatigue levels increase, I did what felt natural at the time. I exercised more, cleaned up my sleep hygiene (for the most part) and upped my kale dosage. I felt better for it but not by much. I was still fatigued. All. The. Time.
I cycled between meetings and deadlines, letting the sunshine hit my face. All around me blossoms were flourishing on trees like clouds of fairy floss at a fair. It all became clear to me: I had fallen victim to too much work and very little play. In an attempt to cure myself, I decided I firstly needed more fun in my routines, and secondly, that I needed more creativity in my orbit.
I gave myself a weekend (ha!) to have fun and be dazzled by culture. I spent a day reading The Pisces by Melissa Broder. When I was done, I started Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. I had spent the previous day with friends at Charleston, the home and studios of modernists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant in Sussex. The house is adorned with art and books and textiles — all my favourite things.
A weekend of culture and laughs was exactly the cure-all I needed. I started the week with energy and vibrancy I hadn’t felt in a while. And coincidentally, that same week I listened to a Goop podcast that spoke directly to my experience.
In it, GP chats with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, author of Sacred Rest. Saundra’s research as a clinical practitioner led her to write about the 7 types of rest we need beyond physical and mental R&R. They include physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, sensory and — wait for it — creative!
I had thought that being creative would satisfy the criteria, but in the episode, Saundra explains being creative is actually work. Life drawing classes or writing workshops don’t count. To reap the benefits of creative rest, engaging and experiencing creativity is the sweet spot where its effect can take hold.
Listen for yourself below and see which type of rest you are most craving:
I didn’t schedule this essay to align with the next Sprout event but it fits perfectly with this week’s thoughts and feelings. Read on to hear about the gentle power of creativity and the joy that can be found in making things with our hands. ■
Making a Mark: Creativity as a Healing Modality
Making a Mark: Creativity as a Healing Modality is a conversation with three specialised artisans from the world of weaving, textiles, and ceramics.
Making a Mark panel guests will share their experience of creating and making through a conversation that explores the power of creativity and what it means to be a maker.
The conversation will trace:
🧵 What it is about creating and making that feels so great
🧵 The creative process from the initial concept to the final product
🧵 What it means to be an artisan and maker in the digital age
🧵 How to curate your own creative practice
Where: Zoom
When: 18 May 2022, 7pm GMT
A recording of the event will be available for 24-hours after the session
Price: £5 / £10 / £By donation
Read more and book your spot here.
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