What does Rest have to do with Learning?

It's Friday- end of the first week of January -- How did we get here?

The simple answer is moment by moment.

I've been working on things to remove from my agenda so that I can have more time for both: Focused and Diffused learning...

Focused learning is chunks of time utilized on a single topic.

Diffused learning is using rest/breaks in order to build resiliency in that learning. You can compare it to running a marathon.

How many of us would successfully run one without any training? We would start with walking, then intervals, short runs, etc. We would adapt (see our last live chat in our yoga teacher's Facebook group with Jules Mitchell on adapting tissues!) Our brain is the same. It needs to adapt to new principles and concepts.

I think this applies to everything. Imagine talking to a relative who has opposite world views that you do. Do you think arguing with them for hours is going to change their minds? Probably not. It will take a combination of things: listening (more than talking), giving them time to digest new thoughts, compassionate experiences that promote empathy over time,... etc.

"Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength... It is wisdom to take occasional furlough. In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less." Charles Spurgeon

In my own practice, I've been exploring ways to grow and develop sustainable habits -- and this includes using these 2 styles of learning. Focused learning (with the Palmadoro method- 20 min blocks of time) + Diffused learning (with breaks where I keep the topic in the back of my mind, but I do something else, like a walk or wash the dishes or a restorative pose)... then go back to the learning a new topic with new insight and fresh awareness... Thomas Eddison did it like this and so did Salvador Dali.

When do you find your mind relaxing somewhat and getting away from focused attention? When taking a shower? Riding on the bus? Going for a walk? Doing yoga?

Recognizing when your integration takes place is neural adaptation.

Tell me how you are learning how to learn?

If you're curious about how to adapt using Rest. Join me in one of our Restorative Immersions online. Email me and mention you read this article, and I'll send you a sample restful class.