Today is Sunday, which for many is traditionally a “day of rest”. Yet many of us have lost this fine art; resting is neither culturally encouraged nor appreciated, yet it is such a vital practice, and so necessary to our ongoing well-being. Other cultures such as Spain, for instance, have incorporated resting into the very fabric of society- it even has a special name, “siesta”. It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? How different would our lives be if we all made an effort to include rest as a regular practice?

Because it is a forgotten art, today seems like a good day to give it a test drive. After all, the only way to improve at a given activity is to practice. Resting can happen so many different ways, and over time you will probably find your own personal favorites, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Cloud gazing. Chances are that you did it as a kid but then forgot about it somewhere between then and now. However, it can bring just as much joy now as it did then, especially if you share the activity with your kids (or someone else’s). See what your imagination can find among the shapes.

2. Napping. Sometimes forty winks is all it takes.

3. Resting with your eyes closed. This similar to napping with a slight degree of difference. Turn off ringers, tvs, all electronics, and set a timer if you need to. Get really, really comfortable, close your eyes and… breathe.

4. Sit somewhere beautiful. Don’t do anything else. Just sit and drink it in with your eyes and your soul.

5. Float. In your bathtub, a hot tub, a pool, a lake, it doesn’t matter where you go, just as long as you can let your body fully decompress.

As a forewarning, relaxation can become addictive, but how many other addictions can claim to be so life-sustaining? Sunday is just as good a day to get started practicing the fine art of really letting go.

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Enjoy!!