Gotta Nap

I have observed a spiritual practice most of my life, especially over the last 16 years or so, that I have only recently identified as one: napping.  Napping not only restores my soul, it calms my mind and gives energy to my body.  It resets me in a way that nothing else has.  I tend to move and think and ponder at full tilt and napping serves as a way for me to resist this innate tendency to move quickly.  It slows me down.  It reminds me of my roots.  It connects me to my Source.

Nearly every day, when I wake, I consider when I might be able to take a nap later that day.  Where might it fit in my schedule to best serve me?  The idea of a future nap helps me face the first part of the day and live it fully knowing that rest is around the corner.  I feel similarly in the second half of my day - I am refreshed from my nap and ready to embrace what the afternoon and evening have in store.  

Thanks to our crazy culture I have long thought of my naps as a crutch, something I do because I am lazy, or can’t handle the stresses that everyone else handles.  Yes, I have used naps in this way before, during times of great depression or anxiety.  But, recently, and on the contrary, I have begun to celebrate my naps as a spiritual practice, a way to be fully me, fully human, and fully in the world.  

I often begin my naps with concentrated breathing, sinking down into my bed ready to be restored.  I always open the blind next to me and look out at our beautiful front yard and pond, a reminder and cue that this is just a daytime nap and not a nighttime sleep.  I typically play fetch with my dog before I lie down to tire him out so that he will lie on the floor next to me and stay out of trouble.  His presence is comforting as I am usually home alone during nap time.  

I spend the first few minutes of my rest reflecting on the day and considering the hours ahead.  It is a time of decompression and relaxation.  I often find myself grateful in this pose and give a nod to God as I nod off.  I think God made me this way: with two speeds - 6th gear and napping.  

While I do function just fine without a nap, I certainly miss them when I don’t have time to take them.  I feel like I am a better mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, when I can take some time in the middle of the day for myself.  Sometimes, I feel guilty that this should look differently - that my time should be spent reading something profound, or journaling or actively praying or walking.  I do those things, too, but my naps, well my naps, they are special and I am beginning to be content with that.