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 MuchaBut 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 DayalAnd 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.
*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!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 4:15PM 
