When identity feels limiting…

What would happen if you went into your next meeting, sales call, or social situation determined to emulate Eastwood: no past, no list of credits, no reputation, not even a name. You cannot reveal or use anything from your past—not what you do, where you went to college, who you know. Your only revelations involve the present or future. Would that work for you or against you? Would the situation be good, bad, or ugly? Your objective is to free yourself to be whatever and whoever you need to be right now.

From Keep It Moving by Twyla Tharp

7 Types of Rest

From NPR Lifekit: 7 kinds of rest (other than sleep) each supporting different aspects of our needs for rest.

Notes & examples:

Physical rest (can be passive or active)

  • sleeping, napping
  • going for a walk
  • getting a massage
  • stretching, yoga, tai chi, qigong
  • constructive rest position (I’m partial to doing this with my knees resting on a chair or couch while listening to an audiobook)

Signs you might need it:

  • muscles are sore or painful
  • tired but can’t fall asleep
  • relying on substances to keep you awake or help you fall asleep

Mental rest

  • meditation
  • time blocking
  • pausing to follow one breath in & out
  • looking out the window / listening to sounds around you

Emotional rest

  • journaling
  • playing or listening to music
  • dancing wildly alone!
  • body shake

Sensory rest

  • like a system reboot or hard reset

Social rest

  • Could be time alone or could be spending time with life-giving people who pour energy back into you.

Creative rest

  • allowing white space
  • boredom
  • daydreaming
  • spending time in nature

Spiritual rest

  • volunteering
  • meditation
  • prayer