Creating a Container for Sacred Rest
It’s only the second month of the year and I’ve already had a massive revelation: I’m sick of being my own side bitch.
What exactly do I mean by that?
As a healer and empath my heart chakra is wide open. I’m like one of Cinderella’s bright-eyed mouse friends- always willing to help, help, help.
I love serving others so much that I’ve made it my full time job. But I’ll admit, the boundaries I’ve put in place around my work have been nebulous at best. It’s one of the pitfalls of working from home.
Many mornings I would be so focused on the task at hand that I couldn’t be bothered to pause for breakfast. Suddenly, I became an unintentional member of the intermittent fasting fan club. And don’t even get me started about how many days I went between washing my hair because I “didn’t have the time.” Thank God for dry shampoo, am I right?
Another big mistake? I would set my booking availability so I was wide open because I didn’t want anyone to feel like they couldn’t get the help that they needed. And on weekends I had trouble putting down my work because I didn’t want to let anyone down.
Clearly this breakneck, others-centered lifestyle was not sustainable. I finally hit a point where I felt burnt out, blocked and totally uninspired. I was going through all the motions, but my heart wasn’t in it. I will never forget how during a reiki circle one evening a message came through from Spirit, loud and clear: rest. It was not a request so much as a command. And something within me clicked and I realized that if I continued to put myself last one day I wouldn’t be capable of serving others at all.
This month I made a commitment to myself that I would create a sacred container for rest. Each day I ask myself, “how can I rest today?”
That doesn’t mean I’m abandoning work or household duties, but I am focusing my energy on activities that bring me relaxation and restoration.
I am healing my relationship with rest and releasing the culturally internalized expectation of toxic productivity. The truth is, our productivity does not define us and our worth cannot be measured by our output. I am choosing to work softer rather than harder. I am slowing down to speed up. And for the first time I am prioritizing self care over work. I’m ready to learn what balance feels like.
So I’m going to take myself on dates to my favorite place- the bookstore!, paint my nails baby blue, prepare nourishing veggie-centric lunches a la Love and Lemons, create luxurious almond oil baths and choose yoga over Pinterest. Instead of feeling guilt for the “loss” of efficiency I will choose to revel in the euphoric sensation of self love.
In short, I will cultivate a spacious container for rest so my cup is so full it’s overflowing. And imagine how much I will have to give back to you.
What does rest look like?
Rest means something different to everyone. I see rest as anything that provides relaxation, revitalization and inspiration to the spirit. My gift to you is a myriad of ideas that facilitate sacred rest. My hope is that this list will help you expand your concept of what rest can be:
- daydream
- beauty rituals- put on a face mask, try a makeup tutorial, experiment with a new hairstyle, paint your nails, book a facial or lymphatic drainage massage, use a jade face roller
- clear your energetic field
- bake yourself a homemade treat or prepare a nourishing meal, try a new recipe, take a cooking class
- unplug from social media or maybe even choose a technology detox
- spend money on self-care: reiki, acupuncture, vitamins, hydrotherapy, salt therapy, etc.
- journal
- nap or sleep in
- read something that provokes your imagination or inspires you
- learn something new via a YouTube video or an e-course, seminar, or book.
- listen to a podcast
- breathwork
- meditation
- staycation
- clean the house (only if you feel like it; cleansing your space can release emotional and mental clutter)
- research your ancestry
- play a video game
- take yourself on a date or plan a date with your partner or even your pet
- do something creative such as painting, poetry, playing an instrument, diy home decor, jewelry making, collect plants for a flower press, send homemade cards to loved ones
- spend time on a passion project, something that is close to your heart that will have an uplifting and energizing effect
- prepare a ritual bath
- volunteer
- prayer
- get organized (only if you find this restful or nourishing)
- stretch
- have brunch with a friend or attend a book club, host a dinner party or pizza night
- divination- tarot, astrology, shamanic journeying, pendulum work, etc.
- go see a movie or attend a theater performance
- listen to your favorite playlist or binaural beats
- travel, go somewhere new, be in nature
- book a spiritual retreat
- exercise (yes, exercise is a form of active rest!)
- take a day off
- create a vision board
Is rest a priority in your life? What are your favorite ways to rest? Share them with me in the comments below.
