the value of creative rest

Creators need to rest. This might feel counter intuitive in a world that is always “on.” Rest, after all, isn’t allowed when making tangible outcomes is the only measure of progress, right? Far from it. When we remember that what we create is equivalent to giving birth, rest takes on an entirely new relevance. Rest is the seedbed of germination. Rest is when our souls get filled up and come alive again. Rest is permitting our inner artist to come out and play. Rest is allowing enough stillness in our days to hear prompts for our next direction. Rest is when the foundations for our next creative vision are laid.

Some of the best ideas come when we are not consciously pushing our creative visions forward, and instead, purposely allow moments of seeming nothingness. These ideas come in the shower, as we daydream and look out the window, when we take a meandering walk, and when we doodle on a piece of paper. Whenever we suspend agenda, these moments feed our souls and nurture our art. They are vital interludes in bringing our dreams to fruition.

So don’t be afraid of rest in a 24/7 world. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you. And most importantly, so will your creations.