Intro: Pounding bass note and a stirring fanfare of horns. Welcome to another edition of Things to Think about. Here's Stacy. The horns continue with a keyboard note held.
Relaxing piano music is in the background: Welcome to the Things To Think About Podcast where we use fables and fairy tales to come to deeper truths about our subconscious world. I’m Stacy Casson and today’s story explores rest. What is our relationship to rest? Do we feel we deserve it? We will explore this topic in a tale I call, “The Affair.” And now, get comfortable and relax. Take a Deep Breathe in and exhale. A Deep Breath in, and exhale. Deep breath in and exhale. And if you'd like, you can slowly...close...your eyes.
Once upon a time, a couple was in crisis. “Baby, why don’t you come over here?” Rest called patting a snuggly blanket. “I’ve got things to do,” I said. Click. “That’s the laundry. It’s not going to magically transfer itself.” Rest always wanted to daydream and take naps. I was envious of the ease with which it just went with the flow. Rest was always unbothered and never hurried. Every time I succumbed, I berated myself for wasting my day. After spending time with Rest, I was hurried and rushing to catch up on everything that was not done.
Rest looked at me mournfully. “Haven’t I always been here for you? Was it too much to ask you to spend a little time with me? Why do you have to see other people? Why am I not enough for you?” There was no judgment when they asked the questions. “What are you talking about? Didn’t we spend last weekend binge-watching that show I told you about? This morning, I watched a video about napping, chatted with a friend, and watched cat memes. Isn’t that the epitome of doing nothing?” Rest quietly said, “You did all those things with Distraction. Not me. Don’t you know the difference between us?”
“Maybe we should take a break,” I said. Rest flinched. “You bring me down,” I said coldly. Rest took the cuddly blanket and nothing else and walked out the door. “Come on baby, let’s party,” Distraction waved my phone in front of me. It had found a new K-drama for us. Distraction always gave me a great escape. We partied in a blur of manic activity. I noticed the weeds were taking over my flowers during one of my brief outings outside to check the mail. I would get to them later. This was my weekend to do nothing. Didn’t I deserve it? I was more exhausted than ever before.
“This isn’t working out,” I said sadly. Distraction started cussing me out. “I don’t think anyone can make you happy. You are such a user. I spent all my time creating amazing and fun activities for you and this is the thanks I get? Poor little me, I have so much work to do. I’m always tired. Tired from what? I have tried to fill every waking moment with something awesome so you could be happy and this is the thanks I get?” Distraction was livid. “This isn’t real,” I quietly responded. “This isn’t working out.” How did I miss it? Rest had been right all along. “You’ll be back,” Distraction seethed. “You need me!”
I lay on the couch and curled up with a blanket. It was not as soft as the one Rest always shared with me. I turned off my phone. I didn’t want to speak with anyone, especially not Rest. I had never answered any texts. “Are you okay? Are you getting enough sleep?” I know it was petty to ignore Rest, but I just couldn’t deal with the guilt trip of knowing I was the bad guy. Alone with my thoughts for once, no phone, no TV, not even a book. I hate it here. I heard the click of the washing machine. And I remembered that I had not washed my coffee cup and we needed groceries. I remained on the couch. I don’t know how long I sat there. I noticed another presence. “When did you get back?” I asked Rest. “I have always been here. I love you,” Rest said quietly against my temple. “I don’t know,” I said simply.
That ends our story for today. I sure hope they make up, don’t you? And now, take a deep breath in and exhale. A deep breath in and exhale. Deep breath in, and exhale. And when you're ready, wiggle your toes, wiggle your fingers, and slowly open your eyes. If you are enjoying this podcast, please subscribe and never miss an episode.
Closing: Closing jazzy keyboard and thrumming bass. I hope you enjoyed today's segment. Tell a friend. See you next time. Music fades.
