Enjoying Vacation Time
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Authors
Alexander, Andy, S.J.
Waldron, Maureen McCann
Issue Date
2000-01-01
Type
Text
Language
en_US
Keywords
Ordinary Time
Alternative Title
Abstract
Text from the first four paragraphs of "Enjoying Vacation Time"|It is difficult to take a break, to be on holiday or on vacation but it can be easier with a focus on the reasons for rest. A recent study demonstrated that it was extremely difficult for participants to "do nothing" for 15 minutes. People felt very uncomfortable feelings of withdrawal from their busy lives. Some reported difficulty resting at all.|It is a common experience in our lives, packed with activity and information, with stimulation and multi-tasking, to slow down and let go of our responsibilities and engagements, even for a break or a restoring rest. We often avoid a break, saying to ourselves that we don't have time. And, even when there is an opening in our schedule, there are many things, which we've put off from doing, that can fill the gap.|Recovering our ability to relax|In our hectic world, we are at risk of losing the ability to relax, to experience a tension and worry-free time to let ourselves be refreshed and restored. All kinds of evidence shows how beneficial rest is for our bodies, our psychological wellbeing, and for our spiritual nourishment and growth. It is easy to see the debilitating effects of our unhealthy pace and the compression which many technologies have allowed. The Latin root for the word "pace" is pax, that is "peace." Giving ourselves a slower pace can contribute to a greater peace in our whole being.|So, how am I at taking a break? For some of us, it is difficult to find or take the time to consciously unplug and decompress. And, when we do, we too often say, "I didn't know what to do with my time off. I felt restless. I can't just do nothing" Slowing down takes effort and practice.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Creighton University, Online Ministries
License
Feel Free to "cut and paste" any of these texts for Parish Bulletinss or Worship Aids. Simpy add this reference: "Taken from Creighton University's Online Ministries web site: www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html. Used with Permission."