What if we ran our lives on rest? Physically, we strengthen our bodies when our muscles are fully recovered. Intellectually, we think through complex problems when our minds are quieted. Emotionally, we navigate stressful situations when we are still enough for reflection.

Our habit of working “harder and smarter” is failing us. We need a reset. We need habits strong enough to withstand the pressures of the twenty-four seven work cycle technology has delivered. We are pivoting our relationship with the planet from user to steward. A simultaneous pivot from racers to resters seems plausible.

Imagine calendars organized by eight hours of rest instead of eighth hours of work. Exercise programs would promote the habit of rest and recovery. Educational programs would teach the habit of creativity. Emotional support systems would nurture the habit of stillness. Imagine the habit of work turned upside down: our “day” beginning at bedtime. Instead of being woken by the  beeping sound of the alarm, what if we began our “day” by falling asleep to the sound of falling rain? 

Applying our work ethic to rest should enable us to become stronger, smarter, and healthier. Today we take pride in the pitch that  “America runs on Dunkins.” But nobody ever won a competitive race by dehydrating themselves. Why are we trying to advance as a civilization by compromising our physical health, our creative capacity, and our well-being? 

What we really need is permission to rest so that our work can reach a new level. Improved physical health, creative solutions to enduring problems, and a new social order of peace and well-being seems worth pursuing. I would like to make the argument that we are not able to produce the quality of work necessary to advance because we have not been working hard enough at resting. 

Peace,

Chris