He realizes that he’s being followed by the police and he tenses. Pulling his car to the side of the road, he rolls down the window. A policeman approaches. He begins to mutter, “I know that I was speeding. I know I was going to fast.” “Yes, Sir. Why were you going so fast?” “I think it’s obvious, Officer. I’m lost.” I can absolutely empathize with that young man. When I’m lost, I tend to go faster. Spinning around endlessly and not achieving much. Forgetting where I’m going in my haste to get accomplish things. Wondering how I started down a path that isn’t seeming to lead anywhere. Forgetting of all my past experiences of seeing the light through rest.
Seeing The Light Through Rest
I remember several times when I was facing indecision and at the cusp of life-changing decisions, I’d go off to a retreat house and meet with my Jesuit spiritual guide. I’d arrange to stay there for a couple of days. I’d talk to my guide and he’d listen. Then he’d speak for a short while and ask me to go and reflect on things. And off I’d go with all good intentions to sit down and reflect. And I’d promptly fall asleep! In my room or in the chapel, all reflection would lead to sleep. At first, I used to feel really guilty. But my guide assured me that it was alright.
But you know what? At the end of the two days, I’d come back refreshed and with a much clearer idea of what to do.
But I tend to forget this. I tend to forget that I need to rest to see the ‘light’. I try instead to immerse myself in more frenetic activity.
Recently, I was doing this, until my body decided to take over. I got a bad bout of the ‘flu and had no choice but to rest. And this forced rest has helped me to see things more clearly. Once again, I have seeing the light through rest!
I’m making some changes and will share them with you in the months ahead. I can safely say that I’m still a little lost, but I’m making my way back to myself!
Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.”
Theodore Roethke
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I’m so glad your body decided to remind you to take a rest. It was I’m sure not pleasant, Don’t tak me wrong on that, but it did teach you a lesson. I used to participate in #MondayMusings more often on my old blog, but will hopefully join you again later today.
Astrid recently posted..Nuts! #SoCS
So nice to see you here again, Astrid. Looking forward to your #MondayMusings post.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..The 5 Second Rule
Such short breaks are absolutely necessary to refresh our mind, body and soul. Else, one these three will start acting up! I am beginning to understand this now too. I have never really been able to pin point as to what was happening to me. I think now I have realized that it was because I was lost too! Thank you for this post!
Yes! I don’t know why we don’t take them often enough. We’re all lost at some point in life. Finding our way back to ourselves is worth working on. Good luck to you, Jyothi.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..6 Effective Ways to Overcome Laziness
I wish I could go to someone and seek guidance. I feel so lost at times that I really wish for a guiding star.
Hugs, Balaka. I haven’t been in ages. The best part of the Jesuit guides is that they don’t give you answers but enable you to find them yourself. The key is to spend time alone with yourself.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Restore Life’s Balance
I met a guru of sorts recently and one thing he said will always stay with me. He said, ‘Every year or every few months, make sure you dedicate a day or few days to feed your spiritual self.’ I think it is very important we feed this part of our self with loads of positivity, peace and calm, as often as we consider the need for a break from routine. Important to rest, reflect, and recharge.
kalaravi16 recently posted..Makings of a Happy Diwali
What a lovely post Corinne- we all need to recharge ourselves and when we forget, the body takes over. I am a firm believer in listening to my body. It always knows when I need rest and I give into it without any guilt whenever I feel it coming.
Self care and self love is so damn important and these “off” days that you take are just for that. The sleep is the Divine’s way of telling you to let go and rest. Glad you do just that. Hugs my friend!!!
What a lovely reminder. Every time I’m stressed and overwhelmed, I just want to run away and escape it all. That’s my signal that I need some rest. I either spend most of the weekend sleeping or just puttering around the house and doing nothing.
Modern Gypsy recently posted..The ultimate planning system for creative rebels