We Have It Backwards

What Takes More Discipline? Resting or Working?

In our modern age, a peculiar inversion has taken hold. We laud those who burn the midnight oil, who sacrifice sleep for productivity. We wear our busyness as a badge of honor, a testament to our worth. Yet, I propose that we have it entirely backwards.

The truth, my friends, is that it takes far more discipline to rest than to work. To intentionally carve out time for stillness, for silence, for the simple act of being – this requires a fortitude that few possess.

Nature itself teaches us the importance of rest. The fallow field, the hibernating bear, the ebb and flow of the tides – all demonstrate the rhythm of work and rest that is woven into the very fabric of creation. The very seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter guide us through a cycle of renewal, demonstrating that even trees have scheduled seasons where they bear no leaves or fruit. Imagine demanding a peach tree produce peaches in the dead of winter or at the first drop of April showers? We chuckle at its absurdity, but cringe when we finally see its application in our lives.

Science, too, affirms this wisdom. Studies have shown that adequate rest is essential for optimal cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical health. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, has been linked to a host of maladies, from impaired memory and concentration to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Remember, we are not human doings, we are human beings.

Rest is a Necessity not a Luxury

Yet, we persist in our relentless pursuit of productivity, as if rest were a luxury rather than a necessity. We cram our schedules with appointments, meetings, and deadlines, leaving little room for the quietude that our souls crave. We live for the grind. We celebrate the reckless abandon of burning the candle from both ends. In the words of one famous rapper, "Rest is for people who are broke." This captures the spirit of our age.

I urge you, dear reader, to reconsider your priorities. To consider that perhaps you have it all wrong by filling your agenda with tasks and side hustles and scraping for rest in a moment when you have no other option. Instead, schedule rest first, and then build your work and responsibilities around it. Book time for leisurely walks in nature, for reading good books, for meaningful conversations with loved ones. Allow yourself the freedom to simply be, without the pressure to do. Then, ironically, you will do better.

This may seem counterintuitive, even indulgent. But I assure you, it is the most disciplined and courageous thing you can do. To do otherwise is to proverbially, put the cart before the horse. Rest and recovery generate the force and resources to pull our responsibilities and dreams to fulfillment. For in the stillness, we find our true selves. In the silence, we hear the whispers of our hearts. And in the simple act of being, we discover the joy of living. Remember, we are not human doings, we are human beings. Let us embrace the discipline of rest, and in so doing, reclaim the fullness of our humanity.

I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below on the following questions:

• Can you think of a time in your own life when prioritizing rest led to better productivity or well-being?

• How might the advice in this blog be applied differently in different cultures or professions?
  

• What are the potential counterarguments my thoughts here? How might someone who values productivity over rest respond to this blog?
  

• How practical do you think my advice is for the average person? What challenges might people face in implementing it?
  

• If you were to design a "rest schedule" for yourself, what would it look like?
  

I hope these questions spark thoughtful discussion and reflection!