When I wrote A Mindful Nap, one commenter said, “Thanks, Dana, and I’m eager for the next nap! Renewal, and sometimes, exciting new ideas. Love naps.” His mention of “sometimes, exciting new ideas” made me think of Thomas Edison. So I replied, “Right?! I wonder if Edison took naps?” A little while later, Grant sent me a link to an article by Scientific American with photos of Thomas Edison taking naps!
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The commenter I mentioned above is my husband Grant. He is a gifted researcher. He reads fast and can sift through tons of information to select the best stuff. Years ago, he had an idea for a book. Not really knowing where to start, he naturally researched what it takes and how to write a book.
After I don’t remember how long, he had compiled impressive amounts of helpful stuff. He shared and created TameYourBook.com. After some time writing blog posts, he developed a workbook and worksheet-driven technique called The Trellis Method to help writers in a step-by-step process of actually bringing to life the book idea that keeps rocking around in their heads. If you are so inclined, I invite you to check it out! And not just because he is my husband, but because it is amazing what skills you will learn to make your book dreams come true!
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So yes, Thomas Edison took naps, but they were unique. People said that he would hold a ball in each hand, and if he dropped them, they would awaken him from that semi-lucid time before he actually drifted into sleep. He claimed he could remember the ideas in this state more easily. You can read the entire article and see the photos of him napping here.
How would you define the perfect nap? The Navy SEAL nap only takes about 8 minutes. Perhaps you just need to unplug, have time alone, visit the park with a brown bag lunch and soak up some sun, or go out to have a break to interact with friends and coworkers? When I was working, for lunch I would drive to a local park, sit in my car and listen to music as I watched people, dogs, and kids about their fun activities.
Mr. Edison showed creative naps don’t always involve sleeping. Find out what nurtures or invigorates you. Take the time you need. Who knows, you may come up with a new, bright idea!
“Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!” Psalm 55:6
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