I don’t mean “doing nothing” as an alternative to GAPS. I don’t mean giving up, resigning oneself to ill health, or sticking with the status quo. I mean “doing nothing” as part of GAPS.
Again, GAPS is a three part program: diet, supplementation, detox. A major source of toxins is stress: hurrying, eating on the run, thinking negative thoughts, berating oneself, doing too much.
Today was a normal-busy day and very enjoyable. When we were done, though, I had yet a long walk over snow and through drifts, pushing my 45lb preschooler in a hefty stroller (we don’t have a car and the journey is longer than a four year old can manage). For a good distance, I felt pretty good, because I was all fueled up on GAPS foods, but by the time we’d completed the hilly final stretch, too many of my muscles stung. So, I skipped the snow shovelling and I opted out of our evening’s Christmas carolling.
The latter was a conundrum: part of my de-stress plan is to include more fun in my life. But rest is way too underrated. We’re supposed to watch the news at 11, then be able to get up for work at 6 or 7. For many, work interferes with nap times. The winter season brings copious festivities for many cultures and faiths, inadvertently adding to the burden. And depending on where one lives, the weather can be yet one more challenge to navigate superhumanly “on schedule”.
The thing is, rest is as vital as good food. It is in rest that our bodies rebuild. It is in rest that we process and release emotional concerns. In it in rest that we regain hope, courage, strength and vision.
So if you’re struggling, drop an activity. Whether it be shovelling the walk this very evening, carolling, writing personalized Christmas cards, baking for a potluck, whatever –give yourself a break. Take a load off. Kick back. Then do it again tomorrow. If you feel guilty, remind yourself that detoxing is part of the GAPS program! Indeed, it is vital to your healing.
