Reflections on Rest
I’ve been reflecting on rest lately—both the physical kind AND the deep, nourishing rest that reconnects us to ourselves.
For me right now, rest is about listening to the quiet needs of my body and spirit.
These needs are expressed quietly, gently and are so easily ignored when there are loud voices demanding attention. Some of those loud voices are external but some are internal. More on that in a moment.
Rest for me right now includes daily early-morning and evening meditations, many precious moments when I connect with my breath and heart throughout the day, daily self reiki sessions and journaling.
And crucially, this season involves letting myself have as much rest as I need, without time limits.
Hello, Resistance
Yet, I’ve struggled with rest, too. Maybe you can relate?
Resting creates opportunities for some very loud internal voices to speak up. "Resting is for weekends and vacation, or after successfully meeting a big deadline," one voice says.
Another, "Let's work on a project. What should we make?"
Resting stirs up survival fears. (If I don't work hard, how will I afford to live in a society that tells us that work and money determines our worth?)
It stirs up fears of falling into depression, despair, or patterns of avoidance.
Resting illuminates limiting beliefs
I’ve believed that rest only “belongs” to weekends or evenings, that long periods of rest feel too much like giving up, or that it’s avoiding what needs to be done.
But through resting, I’m accepting that deep, extended rest isn’t avoidance—it’s preparation. It's nourishment. It's genuine self love. It's part of the natural cycle of life.
The stillness of Winter is as important as the exuberance of Summer.
Rest allows me to return to the activity of my life with clarity, creativity, and strength.
Rest Is an Act of Love
What might happen if you gave yourself permission to rest whenever you needed it?
This weekend, I invite you to take a small step toward rest—whether it’s a quiet moment with your journal, a few deep breath between tasks, or a nap you don’t have to justify.
I’d love to hear how rest shows up for you. Feel free to reply and share your thoughts.
With warmth and gratitude,
Marika