please do not disturb

Over the last couple years, a theme has emerged in my conversations with many women, artists or not: the need for rest. Rest, napping, sleeping, doing less, doing nothing, vegging out, taking a break - these are all like secret confessions, still somewhat taboo, in a culture that says success is achievement at any cost.

"Flaming June" by Lord Frederic Leighton

The word 'rest' brings up many feelings inside, and often mixed reactions from the outside. There is the guilt for desiring it in the first place, anger of not getting enough, a longing for more energy, some fear and shame of expressing the need, and of course, the sheer love and joy in getting some.  I have felt all of these.

"At Rest" by Pablo Picasso

"Printemps" by Alfonso Mucha

But this past weekend, something changed. I attended a woman's Art Retreat in the Rockies, led by my soul-full friend from high school, Kristin Boettger. I woke up at 6:30 am, after a sleepless night with a teething baby, got my layers (a toque in June!) and belongings together, and I was out the door with a granola bar and cup of coffee, driving to the mountains for an 8:45 am start.

When I arrived, I was sleepy...and then mad at myself for feeling that way. "You made such an effort to get here, you paid good money. And now, dammit, you need a nap? Suck it up." (inside voice)

We began the day with circling up around a fire, each woman speaking about why she was there and what she needed. When it was my turn, I had to speak through my tears. The ladies welcomed my honesty. One said that nothing could make her happier than seeing me take a nap. They gave me permission when I could not give it to myself. And in the blink of an eye, in typical female-style, one was getting me a sleeping bag, another a pillow, another got a fire going. They literally tucked me in.

"Shivasana in the Garden" by Chantey Dayal

And I took one of the best naps this world has to offer: in a YURT (like a a more luxurious Teepee)!! I snuggled into my comfy sleeping bag, and fell asleep to the sound of the crackling fire and the soft-falling rain. Haaaaaaaaa...If Zagat was to rate naps, this would be one of those internationally-acclaimed naps, five stars, that would draw people from all over the world, if only for a sampling. After my delicious rest, here's the truth that surfaced from deep inside me:

 (your cosmic purpose is to rest)

Just as it is my purpose and responsibility to nurture, grow, create, love...it is also my responsibility to rest. 

"Sweet Rest" by Daeni Pino

I have been scouring the Internet to find artwork that depicts women at rest. As you can imagine, there aren't many examples. Most paintings of women go like this: she's dancing (Degas), she's seducing, she's carrying her child, she's sitting pretty (Renoir), she's farming (Diego Rivera), or she's making out with someone. 

Nope, not a lot of napping. So please help me out - let me know if you are a napper, what you like in a good nap, or what else gives you a real feeling of rest and renewal.

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*QUICK TIP: Don't underestimate the power of a nap! A little rest can open the pathways needed for new ideas in saving money or finding money or...making art!

Comments

[rachel nyssen]

what a lovely post, and a great reminder! i love to nap, i freely admit it. i love to sleep in, and i love love afternoon siestas. (why do they get such a bad rap? many other countries know what it's all about...) and, coincidentally, i just happened to post a pic of my favorite napping spot in my latest blog update...

[claire]

great post PK. A YURT NAP!! I am green :)

[Punam]

Rachel - send us a photo of your napping spot or a link to your blog! Thanks for sharing (confessing) your nap love. It allows all of us to open up to the possibility.

Claire - yurt, amazing, so granola. You would die!

[rachel nyssen]

didn't know how to post just a pic, but here's the link to my blog post. scroll to the bottom for my favorite napping spot... :) http://rachelnyssen.blogspot.com/2011/06/bloomin-june.html

[punam]

Rachel, i absolutely love your blog. I actually even remember the zine you created way. back. when.

The nap spot looks D'lish. Someone should paint that. ;-)

[Smita Acharyya]

I loved the article Punam. It's interesting how women have always been depicted. I know I'm always sitting pretty or making out with someone, what else is a girl to do? :) It took me a long time to get over the guilt of napping. It feels like an indulgence when really it's the best way for me to recharge so I can give back. Whether that means giving back by being creative, or being a good wife/daughter/sister/mother (to my fur babies). The image of you being tucked in by warm and loving women who surrounded you with kindness and supported you, gave me such a warm feeling inside. It makes me think of a new kind of slumber party! Thank you for sharing!