Growth Happens in the Rest, Not the?Doing

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie fallow is not to be idle.” ~ John Ruskin

We’ve all heard the saying, “No pain, no gain.” But what if I told you that the real magic happens when we stop pushing? That’s right, growth isn’t just about doing, doing, doing. It’s about the quiet moments, the rest periods, the integration.

I was chatting with a friend recently who’s been diving into strength training as she navigates menopause. She’s noticed something fascinating: her muscles are growing most when she’s not in the gym. It’s during those restful nights and recovery days that her body is truly transforming. And the more I thought about it, the more I realised this principle applies to every area of our lives?—?relationships, learning, personal growth.

We tend to think of growth as this linear process?—?you do more, you achieve more.

But growth isn’t linear. It’s cyclical.

Like the seasons, there’s a time for expansion and a time for rest. While I’m undoubtedly energised during those ‘summer’ periods of high output, it’s the ‘winter’ time of reflection and integration that truly deepens my growth.

Imagine planting a seed. You don’t expect it to blossom overnight. It needs time in the soil, nourishment, and rest before it sprouts.

You’re not much different from a seedling. Along with nutrients, light and water, you need to give yourself the space to integrate new experiences and to let them settle into your being. Skipping this vital step is like trying to build a house without a foundation.

Now, I know this might sound counterintuitive. Society glorifies hustle and grind.

But trust me, slowing down and honouring the spaces in between is a radical act of self-care.

Growth happens in that sweet spot where meeting your edge and honouring your need to recover meet so that you pendulate between challenge and comfort. This is the rhythmic dance that leads to lasting, sustainable change.

It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of more, more, more. But remember the tortoise and the hare? Slow and steady wins the race. By prioritising rest and integration, you’re not being ‘lazy’?—?you’re investing in your long-term growth.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you resonate with this idea? Have you experienced the power of rest in your own life? Share your stories and insights in the comments below. Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer here?—?I’m curious about your perspective too.

Originally published at https://vixanderton.com on August 14, 2024.