From 1972 to 1983, the CBS television series MASH, short for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, brought the concept of R & R to prime time. The phrase R & R is an abbreviation for Rest and Relaxation. In MASH, doctors and nurses alike went to Tokyo to unwind from the stress of hour upon hour in an operating room. Although Hollywood’s portrayal often included drunkenness and debauchery, everyone needs a little R & R monthly to recharge their internal batteries.
A season 1 episode of Joan of Arcadia entitled Recreation illustrates a similar point when God calls Joan played by Amber Tamblyn to through a party when her parents go away to celebrate their anniversary. Initially skeptical, gossip spreads like wild fire at Arcadia High, causing a motley crew of students to show up. Instead of closing in on a known drug operation, the police are called to Joan’s house to check on complaints called in by neighbors. Subsequently, Joan’s party saves her father’s partner from an explosion at the stake out location.
The term recreation means to recreate. After a 10 day vacation for the first time in 2 years, I feel like a new person, with a fresh mind set on making a difference in life again. Part of me was caught in the grind of life, losing focus and desire. However, as I start a new week, I am prepared to rise above the challenges I face. Despite the hardships on the horizon, rest and relaxation has provided a rejuvenated soul. When your own life becomes boring, stale or unfulfilled, make sure you seek a little R & R to break through the monotony in life.
Please share how R & R has helped you in the past.
by Jay Mankus
