I know you weren’t expecting this, but today I want to talk about the Spanish Inquisition. No – not the real one, which was terrible, but Monty Python’s version. In this sketch, http://bit.ly/comfy-chair, an old woman is accused of heresy, tortured with soft cushions and forced into a comfy chair where she will stay until lunchtime with only a cup of coffee at eleven.

Yesterday my husband put up the hammock. I was instructed to lie in it for the whole afternoon; furthermore, I had to get my own lemonade!

And it was torture. I have written before, (One Day in Seven, 23rd September 2020), about how hard I find it to rest. Even in the depressive part of my cycle, with little energy to do anything active, I still find it hard.

It’s not just the physical weakness, but mental too; It’s impossible to read an interesting new book: old favourites are manageable but can be boring. And resting is difficult when there are still jobs to be done. Please don’t tell my family, but I just couldn’t relax yesterday when there was still bindweed poking its nose out of the flowerbeds. I got up and did a spot of weeding while they were out. It was slightly better then, and the cosy crime whodunnit almost became a page-turner.

We do need to rest, especially when depressed. I wrote about it last week; I really should read and learn from my own blogs!

One of my friends is in training for the priesthood in the Anglican church. She is one of my Moodscope buddies and can be firm with me when I need it. A few days ago, she reminded me of the creation story. Neither of us is a “Creationist,” by the way, but the story has some useful lessons. I thought she was going to lecture me about the seventh day, when the Creator rested. She did mention this, but she also pointed out that, at every stage, the work of the day was reviewed and declared good. Nothing else was started until the next day. Presumably, there was rest at the end of each day too. If the Creator can rest, she asked, why can’t I? It’s a good question.

I find the company of another friend particularly restful. I know he works incredibly hard and brings intense focus to that work but, once he is done for the day, he seems easily able to switch off and relax. When I am in his company, his attitude rubs off on me too.

Sadly, I cannot import him to my hammock: it would be a bit of a squash and, besides, questions might be asked, but I shall take on his attitude.

I think I might add a soft cushion to the hammock, too.

Are you able to rest without guilt? Do you find it boring? What do you do so you get the most benefit from that rest? I’d really like to know.

Mary

A Moodscope member.