In these days of ever-increasing activity, people of all ages and in all walks of life are constantly being told that they need rest and that unless they have it, they will suffer in many ways. It is well, then, to consider what true rest is and how it may be achieved, for in an understanding of this may be found relief from the tensions and pressures of daily experience. In accordance with various mortal opinions and so-called laws, the generally accepted view is that rest consists of repose, sleep, or inactivity; but the Christian Scientist, while acknowledging the need of rest and peace, has a very different outlook on how rest is to be gained.
To him, true rest is a state of restful consciousness, a quiet communion with God, divine Love. The Scientist knows that right thinking is more potent to restore and maintain mental and physical well-being than is sleeping or apathetic drifting or dreaming. When he has to overcome lassitude, exhaustion, or tension, he realizes that the need is not alone for sleep but for quiet constructive thinking. Christ Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28 Those who follow Christ, Truth, are regenerated, inspired, and strengthened.
At the moment, we all spend a certain portion of our time in sleeping, and it is right that our sleep should be natural and untroubled, for all phases of human experience can be rendered harmonious through the scientific understanding of man's true being as God's image and likeness. But let us never think that any loss of sleep or lack of it can in any way deprive us of good or limit our strength, our alertness, or our vigor. Divine Mind refreshes and sustains mankind, and no mesmeric phase of mortal existence has in reality any curative or recuperative power.
