Today’s presentation will be a virtual meeting.
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“Escaping the Grind: Slow Down and Reclaim Your Life”
Presented by Tanya Long
We live in a highly competitive, capitalist, consumerist society. We measure success by how high up the corporate ladder you've climbed, how big a house, how fast a car you own and how wealthy you are. Productivity is essential to achieve all of this.
Being constantly busy is applauded. Work hard, play hard, sign up your kids for a constant round of activities. Answer emails immediately. Check Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, news feeds obsessively.
Do you ever wonder what's it all about, where's my life going?
I heard a program on CBC about The Nap Ministry. The Nap Ministry has a religious slant to it but I heard a lot of good ideas that could apply to anyone, no religion required. The Nap Ministry is defined in a book called Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tracie Hersey, a.k.a. The Nap Bishop (she isn’t actually a member of the clergy but has degrees in public health and divinity). She argues that rest is a human right, a radical revolutionary way for North Americans to push back against the emphasis on productivity. Our worth is not determined by how hard we work, how productive we are, but by the very fact of being born.
Napping can mean many things. Naps can be refreshing, restorative. But so can a leisurely walk in a nearby park, listening to music, calling a friend, playing with your child, staring off into space and daydreaming, meditation if you are so inclined. Many people have jobs that require them to be constantly on the go, monitored for their productivity. But no one works 24 hours a day and can make time for rest and relaxation.
Some of us may be retired, consider ourselves no longer part of the rat race. That has not been true for me. I retired last April and I am busier than ever. When I retired I felt I still needed a "purpose." I had to be doing things to fill the void left by not working. I have gotten involved in so many activities there are times I can't keep up.
What about you?
- Do you agree with my characterization of our society?
- Are you or have you ever been part of the rat race or know others who are?
- If not how have you avoided it?
- What do you do for rest and relaxation?
- Do you agree that rest and relaxation are essential to a fulfilling life?
Let's discuss.