Over the past few weeks, life has been pretty crazy for me. I feel like I have been constantly on the go and it’s been EXHAUSTING. During times like this, I am noticing the importance and need for rest in my life. Not just physical rest, but mental rest as well. What I mean by this is when you choose to take time for yourself and not do whatever “needs” to get done, you aren’t mentally beating yourself up for it or thinking about all the other things you should be doing - You truly allow both your mind and body to rest.
Well for me, this is a big challenge. I am very good at beating myself up for taking some time for myself, especially when I feel like there is so much to get done. However, I am learning how to allow myself that very needed mental rest, usually involving a walk, an iced tea (unsweetened of course), and working on an art project (just because I want to).
Lately, my favorite way to rest has been working on an old Ukrainian tradition that my mom taught me as a little girl (no, I’m not Ukrainian but I am a big fan of this tradition of theirs): Pysanky eggs (decorated eggs). This is a project that takes a lot of time and patience, forcing you to really slow down and be present. You use a small tool called a kistka, beeswax, dyes, candles, and an egg. I love everything about the process: the smell of the burning beeswax, the vibrant dye colors, the time it takes, and the beautiful egg you are almost always left with in the end. Depending on your personality, and the season, rest comes in many different forms but I have to say, my favorite kind of rest is the kind that pulls you into the present, slows you down, and results in something beautiful, like a pysanky egg.
Once I finally take the time to slow down and do something like a pysanky egg, that’s when I’m able to come back to the busy-ness of life with more joy and motivation to get done what needs to get done. I think allowing myself rest is going to be something I struggle with forever, but the good thing is, I’m learning that it’s OK to take it and I’m finding ways that allow me the rest I need. I hope you are too.
XOXO,
Anna