SEPTEMBER 17
Take rest. The field that has rested gives a beautiful crop.
—OVIDOne of the things we learn about grief is that it is exhausting.
At first we may seem to have too much energy. We are
“wired,” going on nervous energy, often unable to sleep.
And then, sometimes in alternating waves of high energy
and lassitude, we find our balance of rest and activity isn’t
working very well. We may be geared up for a week. Other
times we seem to fall asleep at every opportunity—including
times that could hardly be called opportune! And still we’re
tired.
What we need to realize is that our whole system has
sustained a major shock, and it will take some time for our
psyches and our bodies to adjust to the new alignments
thrust upon them. This is labor of soul and body and it is
draining.
We would do well to take care of ourselves, including
getting extra rest.
Perhaps only when we “take rest” can we begin to see
again the beauty of the world and recall in gratitude the
legacy of the one we have lost.
I will care for myself in honor of my life and all who have shared
that life with me.