Real Rest

There is only one way to get real rest for our mind. It cannot be bought. It can only be earned.

To give our body real rest, we need to stop using our muscles. To give our mind real rest, we simply need to stop using our brain. With time to rest, our body’s natural healing process can take effect — like how a cut on the skin heals. By developing the ability to still our mind, the brain can get real rest and heal damages from years of overwork.

Social interaction is great for easing your mood, but it requires high engagement of the brain. Guided meditation also requires work from the brain to visualize. These are good intermediary activities to ease your mind towards the practice for real rest.

The best way is a simple meditation practice. Getting into a comfortable sitting position is an important preparation. Then just practice letting go of your thoughts by focusing your attention on the breath as an anchor. Like muscles, your ability to let go of your thoughts will grow stronger as you practice. The more moments you can stay free of thoughts, the more healing will occur.

The simple practices are the hardest. So I would recommend starting with just one-minute sessions. Do what you can sustain. As long as you can stay consistent you will begin to experience the wonders of a well-rested mind.