Our bodies need rest. Just about everyone in the human race would admit to needing rest for the body. I would classify this under: common knowledge. Knowledge that is not so common is that our minds need rest, too. I have a brain that “enjoys” a good problem to solve, a circumstance or person to analyze (I mean, I chose therapy as a career), or project to focus on. It is stimulating and satisfying to have a goal to work toward. Purpose. However, there is a line that can be crossed. Over-exerting our bodies even while doing exercise-an obviously healthy endeavor overall- can hurt our body. It can slow down our healing process and eventually tear the body down. Same goes for our minds. I need to be able to get out of the fast lane in my brain. Letting my brain zone out on tv can definitely rest. However, what I watch will either fill me or deplete me. You will not find me watching high dramas, murder/crime thrillers, or anything where Matthew dies (hello?? Downtown Abbey fans!) I cannot stomach those emotional ups and downs. Though these shows carry great storylines with well-acted dialogues, I am not rested when carried along through their crazy lives. I am soothed by designers redoing a room and surprising the homeowners. I am comforted by the design process, knowing that beauty and order exists and is at arm’s reach. No fights are going to explode and escalate. No tables will be overthrown or zombies raiding to feast on the new homeowners. I delight in the high brow antics of Frasier Crane. Hairy men hunting ducks crack me up. These offer me the comic relief in a life that isn’t always funny. I am relaxing as I watch. When I need to be sure of restful tv watching, I will avoid shows where there is lots of conflict (think Real Housewives or Walking Dead). And by the way, I am not prescribing these shows or any shows in that genre or channel as the right way to rest. I only want you to think about whether what you watch revs you up or soothes you. And sometimes you need soothing when you might be watching something revs up.
Though, numbing my mind through some tv watching is soothing, it isn’t always the most nourishing activity. In the past I have used tv to distract from my anxious thoughts. Yet, this distraction was keeping me from some true rest for my mind and soul.
Meditation
I am not exactly referring to the common practice of emptying your mind that originated in the far east religions. Although, I can see how this practice has been a help to many as we reach peak frenetic paces in our heads. No. I am talking meditation to bring truth in. The Truth.
My mind on automatic will lean toward solving the problems that plague my life. Anxiety can often follow this process when solutions don’t appear evident and /or overwhelming. I will meditate on what I know to be true. Lately my meditations are:
I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.
Come unto me all those who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Do not worry but with thanksgiving and supplication bring your requests to God.
He will meet all your needs out of the glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
I will counsel you with my eye upon you. I will lead you with my right hand.
Rejoice in the Lord. Again, I say rejoice.
Scripture says that the Word is the sword of truth which is a way the Christian wages war on the world and the flesh. It is a way to peace and rest. Ironic how waging war with lies will bring peace. Sometime we have to have war to have peace. So in a sense, I am working hard to gain ground in my mind which will ultimately bring me peace and joy. Not always immediately but assuredly.