Muscles don’t grow while they’re under tension. The growth comes afterwards … when the body is at rest.

In a similar way, our creative and intellectual selves need rest in order to grow. We need those moments between sprints. Time away from the studio. Sleep.

Digging in is necessary. Focused, deep work is critical. But so is the dip that follows a creative heavy lift. That mental, physical, and emotional depletion is part of creative growth.

Recovery time isn’t static; it’s when meaningful things are happening underground.

* * *

We plant with exertion. We grow with rest.

(H/T A.K. and S.V.)