NORTH FORK, CA – Life is meant to be rich and full of depth, with plenty of energy for those we love and things we are interested in.  But the busyness of our lives can keep us distracted and superficial, preoccupied with things that leave us physically and emotionally exhausted by evening.  If you find yourself checking out in front of the television, scrolling on your phone, drinking alcohol to unwind, and feeling drained and incapable of anything else, it may be time to reevaluate.

“What secret trouble stirs thy breast?
Why all this fret and flurry?
Dost thou not know that what is best
In this too restless world is rest
From over-work and worry?”
     -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Mad River

Longfellow was pointing out the rush and turmoil of his day way back in 1882.  It is far worse today.  Over-work and worry will leave you exhausted, tense, and anxious.  These habits keep you in a “fight or flight” survival mode, and stuck at the lowest level of living.  And they kill more people than honest physical work ever does.

“Give me health and a day, and I will make the pomp of emperors ridiculous.” 
     ― Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nature

The desire for materialistic possessions can fuel the necessity for working too much, yet we never feel satisfied.  To make matters worse, every object you accumulate demands attention, and will further drain your physical and mental energy.  Instead, consider the benefit of practicing restraint, limiting your wants to the things that actually matter and nourish you.  What does nourish you?  It might be time with someone you enjoy, walking in nature, or a hobby.  It might be prioritizing your connection to God.

The relentless busyness of our lives leaves us disconnected from our true selves, which gets drowned out and numbed by the “noise”.  Constant activity gives the soul no room to breathe – it smothers it.  This also throws the body out of balance, and your systems stop working in harmony.  We end up a “nervous wreck”, the body like a jangled instrument, unable to stay in tune with our higher self and connected to something greater.

"Reverie is the Sunday of thought; it is like a bath which gives vigor and suppleness to the mind as to the body..." Henri-Frédéric Amiel, 1852.

Amiel was a Swiss philosopher, poet and professor.  He is famous for the journal he kept that reflected his grappling with the complexities of human experience.  In this quote he is comparing reverie (daydreaming, contemplation, reflective wandering of the mind) to a restorative day of rest.  Goal-directed thinking needs to be balanced by periods in which the mind is free to be creative.  Many brilliant people have said that their most important insights did not arrive while they were consciously trying to solve a problem.  Instead, the breakthrough came during times of apparent idleness.

In addition, rest and contemplation are necessary to cultivate inner strength.  We can call upon this strength in times of need, but only if we recognize and nourish it ahead of time.  This ability is of divine origin, and has been known since ancient times.  It is present in every human being, and worthy of your attention.  In fact, your very health and happiness depend on it.

Idleness is not a luxury, it is a necessity.  In an age of constant notifications, social media updates, and advertisements, all on top of long work hours, it is no wonder many people are too exhausted to enjoy their life.  Let alone think more deeply.  It is critically important to give yourself some down-time every day.  Not just when you fall into bed, exhausted.  Many things can help encourage more relaxation in your life.  Choose those that are personally meaningful to you, or experiment and find out.  Here are a few ideas:

• Quiet time with loved ones and friends
• Time in nature
• Prayer
• Meditation
• Hobbies
• Reading
• Petting an animal
• Listening to music
• Arts and crafts
• Drawing
• Knitting
• Journaling
• Gardening
• Simply doing nothing

At the end of life, no one says they wish they had worked more.  And you can’t take your possessions with you.  Are you taking time to know yourself and the meaning of life, or are you simply trying to survive.? The choice is up to you…now.  Don’t wait for “some day.”

Read additional articles here:  Focus On Vibrant Health.

Dr. Veronica Tilden can be your ally in having vibrant health.  She uses traditional hands-on osteopathy and helps you take responsibility for your health, guiding you to make better choices in your life.  She brings her 30 years of experience to her hometown at her office in North Fork.  You can find out more and schedule an appointment at DrVeronicaTilden.com.