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.
Mrs. Eddy writes, "The consciousness of Truth rests us more than hours of repose in unconsciousness." Science and Health, p. 218 Anyone may prove the truth of this statement in his own experience and find that, should tiredness or listlessness worry him, a short period of consecrated prayer will bring him quicker, more effective, and more lasting relief than he could gain through inactivity in any form or through unconsciousness.
The writer has found in her own experience that the more she has kept her thinking on spiritual lines and recognized her true selfhood as the reflection of omniactive Mind, the less sleep she has needed. When the occasion has arisen, she has even been able to go without sleep altogether for a long time and with no ill effects, provided she has quietly kept in view the true sense of man, as taught in Christian Science, and has communed with divine Love whenever the slightest suggestion of weariness has presented itself.
It is widely believed that activity is tiring and that any mental or physical action uses up one's personal energy. This, however, is just another fallacy of mortal belief. Our Leader says: "God rests in action. Imparting has not impoverished, can never impoverish, the divine Mind. No exhaustion follows the action of this Mind, according to the apprehension of divine Science. The highest and sweetest rest, even from a human standpoint, is in holy work." pp. 519, 520
Whether activity is tiring or effortless depends on one's state of thought. To one who accepts the mesmeric suggestions of general belief, action can be wearying; but one who refutes this negative, limiting attitude, knowing that man is the expression of omniactive Mind, can find activity to be a stimulating and rewarding experience, inspiring him to further attainments without fatigue. He can prove that restful, peaceful, and progressive activity is a natural unfoldment in his daily affairs.
Quiet moments may bring repose, but rest will be deeper, more satisfying, and more beneficial when the time is spent in gratitude and prayer. The Psalmist sang, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him." Ps. 37:7 True rest is constructive, uplifting, spiritual consciousness, which brings thought nearer to divine Love and so nearer to the fulfillment of all right aspirations and aims.
Should a quiet place not be available to us, we need not thereby be robbed of rest, for wherever we may be and whatever may be going on around us we can find renewal by turning our thoughts to God. So we may rest in a crowded street, in a railway station, in a department store, an office, a streetcar —anywhere—simply by realizing God's ever-presence and claiming man's unity with his divine Father-Mother.
Sometimes the theory is put forward that holidays and vacations are essential to everyone, that a change of scenery is recuperative, and that everyone must have this change or must otherwise suffer from the lack of it. Here, again, an alert Christian Scientist will make certain that his attitude in regard to this theory is a correct one. It is pleasant to go on vacation, to travel, and to enjoy the newness of places, people, and environment. But, desirable as this may be, it should not be thought of as a restorative process. One who may for a time be prevented from embarking on such a project, or who may prefer not to do so, need not suffer in any way as a consequence and need never fear that his health or harmony can be limited or diminished thereby.
The need is always for a change of attitude, a change of thought from error to Truth, from apathy to prayer, from weariness to peace. This change of view gives the true tonic, the real stimulation, and brings the health-giving energies of Spirit into full evidence in daily living.
Restlessness, with its disturbing, worried hours, is no part of one's true consciousness. Peace of mind is natural to man as the expression of divine Mind, and the surest cure for restlessness of any kind is the realization of the ever-presence of divine Love and its comforting, sustaining power. So quietness and confidence can be gained. Those troubled by human circumstances and unable to find a solution of their problems can be helped by pondering the Scriptural command, "Be still, and know that I am God."46:10 To turn to God in trust and faith and to think constructively of His perfect creation and of His care for all His children, calm the anxious thought and bring peace.
Thus all may find that deep, restful activity of thought which is a truly satisfying experience; and thus it is that gentle, harmonious unfoldment takes place in every avenue of daily life. All that needs to be done is accomplished easily and unhurriedly; less human rest is needed; and no suffering can follow enforced loss of repose and sleep.
As we, in this way, praise and glorify God, even in our resting moments, following the leadings of Christ, Truth, we shall be able to sing with ever-growing understanding this verse from the Christian Science Hymnal:
We are Thy children, Thou our Father-Mother,
And we would ever follow Thy behest:
Help us to understand Thy holy counsel,
For in obedience lies our active rest.Hymnal, No. 356
