Sleep: Nature's elixir

During our reprieve in Europe, I luxuriated in late morning awakenings and afternoon catnaps, something I haven't had the quiet centering to enjoy for a while. We hear again and again that sleep is the secret key to being healthy, keeping smart, and living long. Recent practice reinforced this message for me. Putting in 9-10 hours nightly (with an occasional relapse mid-afternoon), waking up without an alarm, and disposing my wristwatch for the last month may have just been the best cure imagined. It's pretty amazing - I feel rested, my head feels less foggy and brain a bit brighter, my skin is clearer, my weight seems healthier. Who knew that such restoration was right at hand and provided freely by mother nature?

So, one of my goals in returning back to "society" in the next weeks is to remain relaxed and low-key so that I can get the regular Zzzzzs needed. I'll let you know how that goes.

In the meantime, I wanted to share today's podcast from Invisibilia about sleep as inspiration for all of you out there who might also need inspiration.

Vocation

Strolling through the center of Munich, I heard a melodious calling winding through the cobblestones and echoing among the buildings... Whispering inspiration into my ears the wind murmured not about teaching, scholarship, or diplomacy. Come, frolic, and smile to the clacking of keys and whirring of bellows by a street musician and his accordion!

On a seriously punny note (doh!), I adore the accordion and would love to learn someday to play. On an even more serious tone (doh!), vacation provides space and perspective for pondering one's place in this universe. I wonder what really matters the most... People? Passion? Persistence? Challenge? Balance? And I keep thinking I will figure this out. Perhaps the most important part is to keep asking the question -- and to enjoy the music.