Sleep, perchance to dream?

I, like a lot of people are tired. Sleep deprivation is rampant in this country. It's a go, go go! society. Time is money and sleep is seen as lost wages.
Do you know sleep deprivation has its own web site?
http://www.sleep-deprivation.com/
How sad is that?

I read several, great articles in Utne magazine about this problem and how sleep deprivation and the general, lack of slowing down and resting. Seems to be a big part in why we, as humans seems to be so.. messed up. For lack of a better term.
Technology enables us to run full tilt 24/7. That means constant consuming, constant polluting.
We have night vision goggle so we can continue to wage war at night.

Lack of sleep has more disadvantages that we might think.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/HEALTHbeat_011806.htm
It's not good for us! Sleep is good and it's good for us.
Try the Sheep Dash to test yourself. It's fun and educational. Watch out!
http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleeping.htm

Now, This information hit me like a slap in the face. I have been working like a maniac at my "regular" job. Coming home and trying to keep house, cook and home school my son. Oh, then there's the artwork, blogging and storytelling. Ahhhh!
Sleep is good, healing, and dreaming has always been something I'm very good at. It fuels my creativity and elevates my mood. Dreams also give me answers to questions and sometimes, spiritual kicks in the ass.
We all need to slow down and pause.
Sometimes, doing nothing is the best option.
It give us time to ponder, relax, renew, regroup and let our souls heal.
Why does our society look down on down time?
I feel like I have to give myself permission to just sit and catch up on my reading or just meditate in my garden. I took today off from everything except this blog.
I slept in, allowed myself to dream and ponder in the early morning's light. For some reason, I find that I think best lying down. Is it blood flow or is it the art of being lazy?

Look at any documentary on primitive cultures. You'll see a lot of sitting, resting and simple chores. Happy children being taught and old people resting and sharing wisdom.
We have more conveniences but less time to relax. What is wrong with this picture?

I was trying to find something on culture and relaxation. What I found was a mixture of travel sites and something that sounded delightful
Relaxation and culture parties.
Hmmm.. Today, after the memorial I stayed after all the other guests left. The family members and I ate fine chocolates, drank coffee and talked about the wonderful woman we all had known and loved. I had a stray thought about having a chocolate tasting party with coffee and good conversation. It struck me as a delicious idea. I love the idea of people gathering together for nothing more than relaxation and good times.
No networking or schmoozing, just people talking, telling stories and relaxing. We need to do more NOTHING!
Read up on Zen Buddhism.
I discovered this little delight.
http://www.odemagazine.com/exchange/4243/zen_and_the_art_of_drinking_beer

I'll leave you with that little gem and wish you good dreaming.