Naps are for Smart People

September 20, 2011 by Bridgesburning Chris King | 18 Comments

Raw bundles of energy learning to assimilate into life give all in laughter, running and the work of the day which may include miles of trucks on knees, bionicals that soar to mighty heights and giggling with delight when this little piggy goes to market find restful recharging in the afternoon nap.

The simplicity of giving it your all should be a more obvious lesson to those of us who transitioned from toddler to adult. How did we miss it? At least for most of the grown up persuasion it seems daily toils are an effort and concentration seems to be on getting through it. We utter words, axioms, as though verbalizing acknowledges the wisdom but feel forbidden to actually do it full time. Stop and smell the roses. Love what you do.

The back end of that last one is do what you love and is something I could never quite figure out. For one thing not everyone could say what they love and so wander through live gritting their teeth doing something they think they do not love.

I probably could not have named one thing I loved to do in my youth. Sure, I was a nurse to the core of me and loved it. It was my calling. But as a high schooler I worked every weekend and holiday and whether it was a laundry or grocery store or factory I loved it all. For me I guess the pleasure was in the doing.

What if….we woke up tomorrow and decide to love everything we do? Love that alarm and morning stretch, love that shower and first sip of coffee, love the action of getting dressed, love that drive or walk, love that work?

There are all kinds of songs that say be glad for what we are given. You know it may not change the world but I bet it will change us and who knows energy may abound.

Some have a dream and belief and will reach it but for most of us ordinary folk the true pleasure of life is all around us in the most mundane things. And yes when we earn our rest at day’s end it will be one of regeneration although I believe the whole world could use the benefits of an afternoon nap. After all some of the most brilliant people in the world grabbed a little midday shut eye, probably because in their waking hours they gave it their all.

About these ads

Author: Bridgesburning Chris King

It's been an interesting time adjusting to 'retirement' after a long career in nursing. Forty odd years actually and the challenge has been to try and figure out who I am. It seems that for the largest part of my life I have defined myself as a nurse. More so than a mother, wife etc - you know all those tags we hang on ourselves and for what reason? I am still learning, still searching, and still evolving I guess. At first it all seemed a little confusing, trying to sort out the what and the who and the like. Now it has become a great adventure. I have so many wonderful models that I have met here on Wordpress. It is amazing how close you can feel to those who brave the pages each day or week or month to share a little of themselves.