“Naps are nature's way of reminding you that life is nice - like a beautiful, softly swinging hammock strung between birth and infinity.” Peggy NoonanIs there anything in life more precious than an afternoon nap? I’m not talking about the 10-minute power nap (at which I happen to be pro), I’m talking about that luxurious hour when the world outside ceases to matter and life goes on just fine without us. The Spanish have always had the right idea; they’ve always known about the benefits of the siesta. They know that there isn’t much in our workaday world that is so important that it can’t wait an hour.
There is a certain kind of light that can make me instantly ready to take a nap. I haven’t encountered it often, and I’ve spent a lot of money in the past trying to create it. I’ve used all kinds of window treatments, but I finally discovered that the secret is simple, diffused light. I prefer ivory pull-down shades drawn a little over halfway, and white or off-white sheers, or lace. This light reminds me of taking naps at my grandmother’s house when I was child, lying on her white bed with eider pillows and a champagne-colored quilted satin comforter. When I do encounter this special light, and can indulge in a nap, never do I sleep more soundly and blissfully.
The only thing better than taking an afternoon nap is taking one with someone you love. Naps are intimate somehow, and make you feel close to that person, whether they’re a lover, a friend, or your child. I used to love napping with my boys when they were little. I must also add that napping with a pet is nice, too. Cats are especially conducive to a great nap, because they somehow give you permission to sleep as guiltlessly as they do.
Indulge in a nap this afternoon, and not the kind on the couch with the TV on. Set the light in your room, get on your bed, and take a one-hour vacation from the world. It's healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually.
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Art Credit: La Siesta, by Frederick A. Bridgman
10 comments:
This is one difference between us. I hate naps. If I go to sleep at all, whether it's for a few minutes or an hour, I feel like I'm drugged for most of the rest of the night. Then, when I want to go to bed, suddenly I'm awake and then my whole sleep pattern is messed up for days. If I'm tired in the afternoon, I'll do whatever I can to stay awake and get through it. It'll usually pass by about 5pm and then I'm fine for the evening.
I'm like you, Deni. I'd love to be able to stretch out for an hour-long nap, but I do so in the afternoon, it's not just an hour: I end up sleeping until 7 or 8 or 9, which really throws me off for the night. And I don't know if it's my imagination or not, but this time change twice a year throws me off for several weeks. My sleep is so messed up now - my aunt tells me "it's menopause"!
Okay - I'm sounding grumpy here, so I'd better get to bed! :)
I love naps....had an awesome power nap flying back from Dallas to Jackson yesterday. I wish I could have seen you guys too. Lawton was fun....had a hard time finding a good bowl of grits...lol. Otherwise, it was A-OK!!
The Art of Napping - I agree, Steph,
a wonderful way to make more of your day
and not a minute's lost if you are doing it the right way! Renewed energy is what you get, making you more creative and efficient.
The very first memory I have of my mother is of a sunny summer afternoon, me and my brother napping in bed (my parents', that was the afternoon nap treat that we were allowed to sleep in their room): I am still not quite awake, and I watch my mother extending both her arms high above her head, to push back the unlined curtains, and the light flooding in through the open window.
Later, after moving to Rome, after lunch, resting on the bed, the wooden shutter closed, but some light finding its way in between the wooden slats, I can hear some neighbor's cutlery rhythmically stirring against a plate, the venticello carrying a fruity fragrance of fresh tomato sauce into my room, barily there still, and then all activity around me has ceased and I drift off into an afternoon dream.
Naps! :-)
Roschelle: I keep trying to leave a comment on your IL blog, but can't. Just want you to know that our prayers and most positive thoughts are with you and your son; I know that it must be so difficult for you.
He's a handsome man! Wow! You have every reason to proud.
We love you!
Yes, Merisi! You understand indulgence!
I guess it's like just about everything else. YMMV. :-) I appreciate Kathy letting me know I'm not the only non-napper in the world. ;-)
Ah, yes, Merisi! What a lovely scene. :)
As a child I had to take a nap. Now as an adult I consider an an afternoon nap a total indulgence--something I do for myself to remind me that I love me and that it is just as important for me to take care of myself as it is for me to take care of anyone else I love.
In order to have the ability to love others, we must first know how to love ourselves.
Deni: To each her/his own! :^)
Naps like that work well for me when I'm truly exhausted. They just don't happen otherwise. I have to agree about shared naps though. There's something about them that are particularly wonderful.. as long as there's no snoring. And yes, cats make great snugglers too. :)
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