‘Rest’ as a radical act
This January one of my friends gave me a ticket to an evening of rest as she was unable to attend.
And when I say an evening of rest, just lying down. Doing nothing. Yoga nidra, the resting bit at the end of a yoga class. But just that. Just the resting bit. I have heard of Uma Dinsmore-Tuli , co-founder of the Yoga Nidra network and another talented Stroud resident. However I have never before attended one of her events.
My first thoughts were “how odd. To just do the nidra”
Arriving at the venue, Lansdown Hall, I was greeted at the door and made to feel incredibly welcome. The floor was set out in a mandala of ‘nests’ for participants to lie down in, a very inviting space of comfort and relaxation. I chose a yoga mat with a sheepskin and pillows and made myself comfy.
The evening was an unexpected delight of voice and song accompanied by harmonium in dimmed lighting with a break for cacao and healthy delicious snacks before more rest. I had not realised how much stress I generally hold in my body or how much permission I need to let it all go and just ‘be’.
I left a few hours later feeling nourished, renewed and rejuvenated and with this one thought from Uma which really resonated – how radical an act ‘rest’ is in a society where we are encouraged to consume and create all the time.
Being self-employed and a business owner, it is so easy to get into the mindset of feeling we are indispensable and falling into the habit of never taking time out. And this can lead to overwhelm, stress and ultimately burnout.
Something really poignant that Uma said to the hall full of resting bodies was that the only time we usually get to lie down together is when we are ill in bed in hospital. That made me really think about my need to take care of myself and rest before it’s needed.
Whether it’s a holiday, a break or a yoga class. When was the last time you took time out for you?
Clare Honeyfield is director of The Made in Stroud Shop, Community Lead Manager at The Stroud Hotel, a published author and high-performance coach with a passion for community, connection and collaboration.
