Cultivating Through Rest

Two months ago, I started writing down my thoughts for a post and wrote a chapter of my life. Maybe one day, it will morph into a book. But for now, it's me jotting down my life's journey so my children will know, remember, and pass along to their children. Then the holidays came followed by the year that was January. So, I've taken time off of work so my brain can reset! It's been weeks of "too many tabs open."

My original post was going to be about perceptions, but I woke up today thinking about the piano. I had one of those almost-awake dreams where someone called and said, "I heard you play the piano." It was so real I almost expected my phone to ring. Then, my thoughts turned to the last time I actually played my keyboard. October. That's the last time. I haven't given myself space to play, not practice, but create. If I don't allow myself this opportunity to cultivate, it will become a lost skill.

This weekend, I reflected on how, at six months, I would crawl to the piano and press on the keys. I wouldn't bang; I just heard the sound of different keys. This is not a memory, obviously. My mom relayed the story to me, and we had a picture of me sitting on the bench. Then, at age four, she heard me playing songs I learned at church. She knew it was time for lessons since she could only play by ear. She wanted me to learn all I could and stirred that interest she saw in me. This morning, I realized that since I had not continued cultivating musical skills over the last 6 years, I'd lost some of my ability to play by ear or recreate melodies easily.

Naturally, I followed the rabbit trail to other areas of my life. Because of my work, I've cultivated dormant skills, learned new ones, and applied my creative style. These have continued to challenge and push me towards being a better worker. But where would I be in my career if I had not given myself the space to cultivate these? Would I still be the average EA just keeping to a routine? Or would I be effecting change in my environment?

As I gave my brain time to think and meditate this afternoon, I chuckled aloud and said, "Who have I become?" I sat on my couch in the quiet with a book, drinking hot green tea. Why is this odd? Because, if you know me, it's usually a digital device with coffee and music in the background. The past six weeks of all-day meetings, process mapping, and improvement have shown me the reality of mental fatigue. A human being is not created to run at 100% capacity 24/7. There has to be time to rest physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It's in the resting where we can think, create, learn, and grow.

This past September, I listened to Lisa Bodell talk about Simplicity and how important it is to allow ourselves time to think. What would be your first thought if you walked by someone in their office and saw them staring off into space? If you said, "They should get back to work," you add complexity to their life. We must allow ourselves and others time to think, create, learn, and grow. Sometimes, that includes staring off into space. We are not robots, nor should we expect anyone to act like one. We are humans and have a breaking point. Maybe this is the reason we have such a mental health crisis in our country. We don't take time for siestas, long lunches, or afternoon walkabouts. And when I say "we," I mean me. I don't give myself these times either. Thus, the reason for my days off with books, quiet, and hot tea. Little to no screens or interrupting noise. The only thing needed now would be a cottage on the beach with warm winds blowing. But it's winter, and I'm nowhere near a beach!

To go back to my thoughts from this morning, why should I expect to get that phone call if I'm not cultivating my musical skills? I should continue to hone my craft - whatever it may be - to get that promotion, job change, pay increase, etc. The expectation that I would receive it without growth isn't reality. There would always be someone better prepared. Reading, studying, listening, and following are all part of cultivating and require your time. The dichotomy is that even though it requires time, it can also be part of rest. For example, reading a book - non-digital - can be restful because there are no blue lights involved. Listening can be restful because you can rest your eyes if they are weary. Following because you are learning through leaders without having to make decisions.

So I will continue my rest and return to the book and hot tea. Hope you do the same!

Until Next Time,

DJ