A therapeutic approach to rest
PSA: “Rest” is not a four-letter word.
Well, you know what I mean.
Rest is many things to many people, however, here are a few things it is not:
Lazy
Weak
A waste of time
Checking out
Just for “some people”
When you think of rest, what comes up? For many years, I considered it a squishy thing for people with low energy who required naps and a back scratch. Today, my tune has changed, and though that old idea sounds absolutely lovely to me now, I’ve never been much of a napper. So, how does one really rest?
I believe true rest is connecting to activities and relationships that are life-giving and restorative. For some this might look like sleep, for some it may look like going for a walk in nature, for some it might look like going for coffee with a friend who really sees you. For many, myself included, it looks a lot like soul care—the spiritual practice of opening up and being receptive to something greater than ourselves—something really good.
And I would be remiss to gloss over the fact that whereas we are all created equal, we are not the same. One size does not fit all. Here is where the Enneagram is so practically helpful. It helps us identify our unique personality type so as to understand the motivations behind how we think, feel and act. Rest for me as a dominant type four looks different than rest for a dominant eight. The through line for all types is simple: will this type of rest fill my cup or deplete it? Will it root me in a way that brings about more life and growth? Or will it disrupt and add more stress to the flow that is our life?
Don’t get me wrong, sometimes a good disruption is necessary in life to shake us out of slumber into a new direction. However, I believe that the more we practice true rest, the less we require those sudden jerks thrusting us forward.
What are the false narratives you have about rest? How has your relationship with rest been lately? What if practicing regular rest could reap more productivity, impact, and creativity on the other side?
Rest is an integral part of self-care. Perhaps by taking some time out, you will take more time back. The best part? It not only fills your cup, it splashes out for those around you to enjoy as you connect to greater patience, energy, and presence.
Don’t sleep on it. ;) Let’s run, not walk, towards a more rest-filled experience.