Sit down under the tree and rest your feet

 　　Have you ever noticed the Chinese characters for "rest" (休)? These two characters are quite interesting. I interpret "休" as someone sitting under a tree taking a break, and "息" as the freedom and ease of mind after resting.

　　On the long journey of life, we suddenly see a tree by the roadside. This tree is like a rest stop, a place for us to rest. So, we stop our hurried steps, sit under the tree, completely relax, and recuperate our weary bodies and minds.

　　Sitting under the tree, all burdens are left behind, and we simply enjoy the tranquility of the moment. Gazing into the distance, the vast earth stretches out to the horizon; the white clouds in the blue sky are ever-changing, telling colorful stories; sunlight filters through the leaves, dancing delicately; birds sing overhead, their melodious songs filling the air; the lush green grass carpets our feet, understandingly easing our fatigue… Everything is so relaxed, pleasant, and carefree.

　　Sitting under a tree to rest is to enjoy the ease and freedom of life; in other words, one must know how to "rest." Comrade Lenin said, "He who does not know how to rest does not know how to work." I believe that rest is not only for work, but also for treating one's life well and enjoying the rights life has given us. Those who know how to rest will also enrich their lives spiritually. Life is a process of walking and stopping, sometimes rushing, sometimes strolling, sometimes resting under a tree; a balance of work and rest is the true essence of life.

　　However, many people around us do not know how to rest, do not understand rest. Most people treat work as the main theme of life, and rest as a negligible note, thinking that rest means laziness and is shameful. Even when they rest, it is for "better work."

　　I remember when I first started working, there was a colleague who was very diligent. He devoted all his energy to his work. He had no so-called "free time," studying his work even at home, and refusing to relax even on weekends. His work performance was outstanding, and he was named a "model worker" every year. Then, one day, he suddenly collapsed at his workplace and never recovered. He treated his body like a perpetual motion machine, thinking it could keep turning forever, but unexpectedly, due to overexertion, his body stopped working prematurely.

　　Leisure is a state of mind, and also an art. How wonderful it is to sit under a tree and rest when you're tired! Look at the white clouds and blue sky, admire the green trees and red flowers, listen to the birdsong, and let your mind soar. How beautiful the world is! The sky is clear, the sun is shining, and the breeze is gentle.

　　In life, there are many ways to relax and enjoy ourselves. One afternoon, give yourself some space where you can do nothing, think nothing, and simply enjoy leisure and ease. An attic, a cup of tea, a few old songs, a few close friends, chatting about life and aspirations, enjoying the joy and warmth of life. One weekend, take your children and loved ones to your parents' hometown to chat under the warm sun, enjoying the warmth and comfort of family…

　　Sitting under a tree, you'll find the sky is bluer, the grass is greener, and you are more beautiful…

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