by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT
A few years ago, our younger son attended a Bible college in Argentina. While he enjoyed the experience of living abroad, one thing he chafed against was the siesta time and the laid-back approach to productivity. When my husband and I visited him, we felt the same way.
Shops were closed without notice, and there was no note on the door indicating when the siesta would end. Restaurants opened whenever the owners decided, and time seemed to slow down. Being American and accustomed to 24/7, 365 customer expectations, we struggled to enjoy this culture of taking time away from duties to rest and enjoy life.
What is a Siesta?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a siesta is an afternoon nap. The Spaniards had siesta time, to relax and rest during the heat of the day. And countries where the Spaniards influenced the culture, such as Argentina, continue to observe this tradition of siesta. While they may not nap, per se, their pace of getting things accomplished is relaxed and less customer-focused than America’s.
The Upside of Rest
Having worked in the rapid-paced healthcare environment for many years, taking a rest or a siesta when you want to is absurd. When your patient needs treatment, you do it when it’s needed, not when you feel like it. But resting, even if it’s for a few moments to close your eyes and relax, is a healthy way to live your days.
The science shows that adequate rest does boost productivity. While some of us need a short nap after lunch, others may not. But a short walk outside to think and clear your head may be beneficial. What is unhealthy is non-stop work; yet, that is what we live with in America today.
Writers Need Refreshment
I'm not sure about you, but I struggle to hear from God while keeping a tight schedule of appointments and projects. Quiet time, preferably outdoors, surrounded by chirping birds, buzzing bees, and the sweet aroma of evergreens, is where God and I most often connect. Those are the experiences my body needs to produce my best writing. Other ideas that may help you are contained in Edie Melson’s book, Soul Care for Writers, which is an excellent guide to rest for creatives. Also, Saundra Dalton-Smith’s book, Sacred Rest, is another wonderful resource if you struggle allowing yourself to relax.
What about you? Do you need a siesta? Perhaps, a short vacation to walk on the sand, a moment to dip your toes into an icy mountain stream, or a warm evening to eat ice cream and watermelon with your family? Whatever works for you, take time for refreshment. Schedule it, if necessary.
Jesus Rested
Jesus often withdrew from the crowds and the demands of constant responsibility to spend time with God. I imagine he reclined and closed his eyes. Did he enjoy the birds in the olive trees overhead? Did he have favorite flowers he sniffed, or maybe his imagination formed images in the clouds?
If Jesus needed rest to accomplish his work here on earth, we surely need it as well. Regardless of the satisfaction we may receive from being constantly available to answer emails, texts, and social media notifications, may we embrace the loveliness of the occasional siesta. It takes effort for me to disconnect from our pace of life here in the USA, but when I do, it does improve my writing.
What are some things you enjoy when you take a siesta away from writing?
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