The movies like to glamorize the moment when the school year ends and summer begins.

The doors burst open. Children emerge, all smiles and energy. The sky fills with scraps of paper and Alice Cooper’s raspy, rockin voice.

Summer break. The shackles removed, freedom achieved.

As we age, it’s hard not to laugh at these idealistic, exaggerated images. If only rest and release were so wonderful, we think as we encounter the relentless gauntlet of gangly lawns and nagging bills and pasta-covered dishes.

On Friday, Kelsey wrote about the human heart’s need for space, rest, companionship and meaningful work. Is your body telling you that you need a break, that you need some rest?

Here are a few posts from the Breakfast Reading archives that can help you with your desire to slow down and breathe in the life that allows us to become appropriately human.

Step 1: Put away the cell phone, life can’t be all work and no play.

Step 2: Take off your shoes and go barefoot, escape the tyranny of what’s expected.

Step 3: Do what you like, regardless of what others think, it’s ok to be uninteresting.