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Last year, I discovered a new (to me) kind of rest. I had committed to many obligations during the holiday season. It was December fourth, and I was already weary. A friend invited me to spend the evening at a historic hotel admiring Christmas lights and sipping hot cocoa. Though many responsibilities pressed on me, this was an invitation to pause. I’m discovering there’s more than one kind of busy and more than one kind of rest. When we know where we’re depleted, we can begin embracing rest as a part of our lives.
There’s more than one kind of busy and more than one kind of rest. When we know where we’re depleted, we can begin embracing rest as a part of our lives. #choosingrest #sacredrest Click To Tweet
In this series about rest, we’ve talked about why we should rest, how to begin creating a pattern of rest in our lives, and the benefits of rest.
Remember how I defined rest a couple of weeks ago?
Rest = Refreshment for our bodies, souls, spirits . . . for every part of who we are.
So many things—activities, interactions with others, words spoken or received, and more—deplete us. I wish I had another month or so to delve into all the areas where we need rest.
I read an insightful book called Sacred Rest, by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith that dives deep into our need for rest, as well as the benefits that come when we institute a rest-practice in our daily lives. She talks about seven areas where we need rest.
What I’ve come to understand is that each of these areas need regular replenishing. The way we do this is by identifying the things that deplete us and what will restore us in each area. These areas are physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, sensory, creative, and social rest.
Integrating Rest Into Our Lives
One necessary step for integrating rest into our lives is to identify those areas where we are weary. Where do we have nothing left to give? I’m very briefly sharing ideas for rest in each of these areas.
Where you’ll find the most benefit is by taking time to evaluate each of these seven areas and ask God to show you why you are depleted in this area. God invites us to seek Him in this process. Dr. Dalton-Smith has a questionnaire you can use to help determine where you are burned out. She has wonderful resources on her website to help you with rest.
All quotes in this post are from Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith.
Suggestions for Embracing Rest
Physical rest—We find physical rest through taking time to stretch out tight muscles, identify what’s aching and take care of it rather than ignoring it. Take a bath. Find time for quiet.
Emotional Rest—“Emotions are to be explored, encountered, enjoyed. They were never meant to be bottled up.”
When we’re emotionally depleted, our reserves are restored when we find people with whom we can be authentic and vulnerable . . . with whom we are safe to share heart hurts.
Mental Rest—“Mental rest is your mind’s comfort zone. It’s the place your brain retreats to feel safe so your mind can function optimally.”
We all deal with “mind chatter.” Dr. Dalton-Smith mentions many things to incorporate rest, but when we deal with our thought life, we learn how to find mental rest.
We all deal with “mind chatter.” Dr. Dalton-Smith mentions many things to incorporate rest, but when we deal with our thought life, we learn how to find mental rest. #choosingrest #sacredrest Click To TweetBecome aware of where you set your thoughts. If your thoughts loop on worries and striving, you need to redirect them toward the attributes and truths of God.
Spiritual Rest—“Spiritual rest is where the broken places mend. Rest holds up the fragments, naked and unashamed before God. Rest acknowledges the disconnection and draws near.”
Spiritual rest comes through connecting with God through prayer, meditating on His word, worshiping Him, journaling, and learning how to love Him relationally.
Other Areas to Consider for Rest
Sensory Rest—“Sensory rest involves denying one or more of our senses the experience of the physical world for short periods.”
Our five senses enrich our worlds, but they are also easily overwhelmed. Constant connectivity to our screens, perfumes, loud noises, blue light, lots of typing on keyboards are all elements that can overwhelm.
Sensory rest comes in discovering the triggers that cause you to feel overwhelmed and giving those areas a rest. Quiet to replace loud noises. Darkness to replace blue light. Fresh air to replenish after being in a scent-overwhelming environment. Think about what invigorates your senses and use those to give yourself sensory rest.
Creative Rest—“This is a rest one finds when immersed in creative beauty.”
This rest isn’t just for “creatives”; It’s for everyone. Our spirits are filled when we get out of our normal environment and experience beauty in our world. Whether it’s a hike, a trip to a geographically different area, taking time to smell a blooming flower or to hear a baby laugh . . . these are all ways to find creative rest.
Social Rest—“Social rest is when we find comfort in our social interactions. The ability to find solace in another.”
Isolation wearies us. Finding people we connect with on a deep level refreshes us.
Social rest comes through authenticity in relationships. “Social rest is about making space for those relationships that revive you.”
What Rest Requires
These seven areas in our lives are interconnected. When we are embracing rest in one area, other areas of our lives will also benefit. And the other thing? Rest requires time. Maybe not a large block of time, but we must be willing to set aside our busyness in order to choose rest.
As my friend and I meandered through the hotel and into chilly night air that pinched our cheeks, we marveled at tall Christmas trees lit and decorated. The hum of laughter and conversations swirled around us. My soul began to breathe deep. When we wandered inside and sipped delicious hot chocolate near a crackling fireplace, we opened our hearts to each other and connected deeply. That evening of unexpected rest invigorated me and equipped me to dive back in to preparing for Christmas and living life.
What about you? Which kinds of rest are you missing? How do you find rest in the busy seasons of your life?
This week, I’m linking up with Grace and Truth and #Instaencouragements. Come join and read more encouraging posts!
Jeanne, this really drives it home. I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, and have learned –slowly and painfully — to take care of myself around the holidays (and in January and February, which can sometimes be worse). This is a helpful post, especially now. BTW — is that hotel the Broadmoor?
Have a blessed Christmas if we don’t speak again,
KB
Kathy, having SAD can be challenging. I suspect we each come to a place where we must choose to do what’s best for our bodies, during the holidays and throughout the year. And yes, that is the Broadmoor. Good eye, lady! 🙂 I hope your Christmas season holds sweet memories, friend!
Thank you for these thoughts. It was refreshing and a good reminder. This was a year of rest. Not my plan but God’s plan as I recovered from major surgery and lost 70% of my liver. Then it was on to chemo which required rest. It has been a good year of learning to just be and not always do.
Beth, I’m so glad you found these thoughts refreshing. It sounds like you have had a difficult year, one with enforced rest. Learning to be and not always do is a great discipline, but not always easy to make a part of our lifestyles. I’m praying you continue to recover and know God’s presence in the midst of it all.
As usual, I enjoyed reading this latest instalment of your Rest series, Jeanne. I didn’t know there that many types of rest but it makes sense now. “Spiritual rest is where the broken places mend. Rest holds up the fragments, naked and unashamed before God. Rest acknowledges the disconnection and draws near” – it’s so true. Spiritual rest is probably the biggest thing I learnt this year and for that I’m actually grateful 2020 happened. Great post x
Wemi, I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. Spiritual rest is something God has been working in me for a number of years. And yes, this year has caused some wounds to surface that I’ve begun bringing to Jesus for healing. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s writing is so beautiful. She talks a lot about spiritual rest, if you’re interested (no, I’m not getting paid to say that, LOL).
Oh, this is so good, Jeanne. I love how you point out all the different aspects of rest. There have been many times this year when my brain is so tired from having to think about all the decisions to make, when they used to be just routine decisions, requiring no thought at all. We need rest for ALL the aspects of ourselves, not just our bodies.
Lisa, I am so glad you found this post helpful! I’m fascinated with the many different ways we can find rest. I know what you mean about being “brain-weary” with all the decisions. There has been so much this year that has pressed in. Like you said, those once routine decisions all weigh heavier becasue of the added stress of the pandemic. I hope you find many restful moments and activities in these next few weeks!
I cannot think of a better subject than ‘rest’ during this time of chaos and pain. Many are suffering from separation from loved ones in hospitals and ‘rest ‘ homes. A mom just died and daughter hasn’t seen her in many many months due to covid. Another has a husband who is recuperating from a serious illness, and her loneliness is heartbreaking. She isn’t allowed to visit heim. Resting in the Lord can be helpful if one can overcome the sadness. Help is found in the Word of God. I like your rst found in a night out with Christmas lights .Perhaps a day Thanks for the out with a ride in the mountains would help. I will try that. Thanks for the idea.
Thank you, Mom. I think the Lord knew we needed to think on the benefits and impact of rest in our lives, especially this year at this time. I’m so sorry so many around you are hurting. Resting in the Lord is the best place for us to rest. A ride through the mountains IS restful. I hope you guys get to do that on a nice day!
Good morning, Jeanne! The twinkling lights in your photos make me smile. I’m craving Christmas lights more than ever this year. I love your practical suggestions for rest in all the areas of our lives that matter most.
I can think of no better gift to give ourselves … and to Him. A heart, mind, and body, fully at peace.
Linda, there’s just something soothing about twinkling Christmas lights, isn’t there? It seems like, especially this year, they are a reminder of God’s still and constant presence, even with all the uncertainty that surrounds us. I hope you find moments of rest this season, my friend.
Wow, what gorgeous pictures and a great way to celebrate the Holidays. I love that phrase “sacred rest.” Thank you for the reminder to truly enjoy and celebrate this season.
Jed, thanks for the kind words. I hope you and your family find time to refresh and rest together as you celebrate Jesus’ birth!
I have definitely thought before that there are different kinds of “tired” but somehow not really that there are different kinds of rest. And knowing your “tired” will help you know how to ‘rest”. Thanks for giving me this to think about.
Yes, Lauren. I love how you said that: “knowing your tired will help you know how to rest.” That’s what I’m discovering too. 🙂 Happy thinking!
what great explanations of the different types of rest we need at different times and ways to satisfy each one. Thank you!!
What a beautiful way to spend an evening, Jeanne. (The tree with the deep red bows is my favorite.) So many good thoughts about these various types of rest … this is one I’ve been working on–and finding restful–this year: “If your thoughts loop on worries and striving, you need to redirect them toward the attributes and truths of God.” Reading your post also made me realize something about teaching my daughter to drive at night (For a license in Kansas, 10 of the 50 required practice hours have to be at night.) During our first night session the other night, we drove slowly through neighborhoods and looked at all the Christmas lights. Strangely enough, it was very restful and I am looking forward to more soon. 🙂 So which category does this fall into, I wonder? 🙂
Lois, it was exactly what I needed at that time. Awww, I’m glad you and your daughter got to view Christmas lights as she practiced driving. I’m with you . . . there’s something about the darkness and the colors shining in the darkness that is restful (even with a student driver behind the wheel). If I had to guess, I would say maybe this falls into the creative/social rest categories. 🙂
I’d love to meander around that historical hotel! Letting myself off the hook when I find myself having to let go of list items helps me rest and quiet the should’s in my mind chatter. Currently that is being less active on blogs as I help others with their projects and still have time for my social rest.
Lynn, you would LOVE that hotel. It’s so beautiful, especially at Christmas time. Learning to let go of things and giving ourselves grace is crucial in opening up spaces for rest in our lives. I’m loving how you’re finding rest by reprioritizing. Good for you! 🙂
Great advice here Jeanne! I noticed God has a theme going!
As my post this week is, ‘Stop! I need to pull over!’
https://teawithjennifer.blog/2020/12/04/stop/
Bless you,
Jennifer
Jennifer, it’s always fun to discover when God is working a theme in our lives, isn’t it? 🙂 I enjoyed your post, friend.
Absolutely Jeanne! I’m glad you enjoyed our time of tea & reflection together 😀
I’m enjoying this series on “rest” so much, Jeanne. It truly helps me seek out and implement times of rest in my life. Two areas I struggle with are emotional rest and creative rest. I love the practical helps you offer! Thank you!
Donna, I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed this series. I learned a TON in preparing it, and I’ve seen even more clearly my need for all of these kinds of rest. It seems like there are times when we need rest in a certain area, but we can’t take a lot of time out from the circumstances. I’ll be praying you find space for emotional and creative rest, friend.
I believe everyone needs a rest from sensory overload! Beautiful post, as always, Jeanne!
Agreed, Susan! With two teen boys who now spend a lot more time on screens, I am seeing the effects and their need for more sensory rest . . . not that they would acknowledge this, of course. But we all need to identify that point of overload and step back. Thanks for your kind words, friend!
I hadn’t thought about how there are so many different types of rest! I think the challenge just now is balancing the social rest and the sensory rest. It’s difficult when so much connection with others has to happen on Zoom. I have definitely felt restored in the little bits of time I have been able to spend with people face to face.
Lesley, yes, this pandemic has really revealed the needs we have for different kinds of rest, hasn’t it? I love spending time with people face to face as well. I’m praying you find ways to balance those needs for social and sensory rest, my friend.
The photos of the lovely evening you spent with your friend make me nostalgic for that time, even though it was only a year ago! Thank you for describing the 7 types of rest. I do find it difficult, especially in the middle of the night, to shut off the mind chatter. I am definitely missing social rest these days!
Laurie, I’m with you. These photos were snapped last year. I’m missing the opportunities for the kind of social rest I enjoyed with my friend. I struggle with mind chatter at night too, sometimes. I’m paying for some good nights’ sleep for you, friend.
God really is a thoughtful cat
and I’d rest as He has bidden,
but the problem now is that
we just got a kitten.
It didn’t get a second glance
when it was at the shelter,
but Barb thought there was a chance
the she could really help her
recover from her shyness
(and accept, maybe, a bath),
but Her Royal Kitty Highness
is a sociopath
who’s got the dogs beneath her paw
without the need to flash a claw.
Andrew, this made me smile so big. Our youngest LOVES kitties, and he smiled when I mentioned you added a kitten to the household. I’m sure Barb will be able to help that kitty of yours. You all continue to be in my prayers, my friend.
Jeanne, we often forget there are most kinds of rest besides just physical. I become emotionally and mentally exhausted when I don’t evaluate and turn off that “mind chatter.” And it even affects my body and me physically. So sometimes I say i’m exhausted in every way meaning body, soul and spirit. Thankful the Lord offers rest for our weary souls.
Karen, you’re right. As I’m learning more about resting these different areas of my life, I’m beginning to identify when I am becoming worn out. Like you, I’ve dealt with a lot of things that have left me mentally and emotionally worn. I’m with you, so very thankful God offers rest for every part of who we are!
Rest is important for us and for those around us. Thank you for sharing the beautiful photographs.
Melissa, I couldn’t agree more. Rest is important for us and those closest to us.:) SO happy you enjoyed the photographs.
I’ve never thought about sensory rest before—but it’s something I need daily! I discover my need when I’m traveling with someone who has the radio going all. the. time. I feel frazzled and worn out at the end of the drive 😲. Beautiful photos, my friend. I love Christmas lights.
Anita, I agree. Being aware of when I’m feeling overwhelmed and seeing my need for sensory rest has been really helpful for me. I agree about having noise around all the time. There’s a need for silence, even when driving. I’m glad you enjoyed the Christmas lights. 😉
Jeanne, I love the phrase in your first paragraph, “invitation to pause.” Sometimes we think we are too busy to accept those invitations, but they can be God-ordained pauses necessary to soak in that sacred rest. I have that book as well, and it has opened my eyes to the necessity of rest so I can live my best life. Thank you for this beautiful post.
Lisa, I suspect God offers many more invitations to pause than we say yes to. And yes, we do need to choose to soak in that sacred rest, don’t we? Thank you for sharing from your wisdom here!
I enjoyed thinking through the different areas that need rest, and the idea that rest isn’t just inactivity.
Barbara, it’s kind of a perspective shift to realize rest isn’t always inactivity, isn’t? I’m glad you enjoyed this post.
Jeanne,
When reading your post and viewing your photos, I realize that my weary soul is depleted in several areas that need rest. I think that I can go and go and go until I finally have something happen that just sidelines me and renders me uselss. I don’t think God has this in mind when He encourages us to rest. Excellent post!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, like you, I am having to re-train my thoughts about how much I can/should do and when to rest. I hope, during this season, you find many moments for rest.
I am discovering that sometimes the most restful activity for me is to simply do my work in an unhurried and unfretful spirit. God often meets me there.
Michele, I know exactly what you mean. Doing work with an unhurried heart can be restful.
Jeanne, this is such a beautiful post in both word and photos. Thank you for taking us on a lovely stroll to take in the beauty of the trees and lights. I’ll be thinking on this today: “We must be willing to set aside our busyness in order to choose rest.” It is a choice. It is truly more than just doing nothing – it is choosing to be refreshed in Him and by Him. Blessings!
Joanne, I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. That night truly was unforgettable for my spirit. One thing I’m realizing is there is always more to keep me busy. I need to stop letting busy be my boss and make rest a consistent priority. 😁
What a good reminder to us, Jeanne … I had not considered rest for all those areas. This is great food for thought! Thank you for sharing … your rest and how you got there. How practical indeed!
Heidi, I’m glad you found some helpful thoughts in here. Until I read Sacred Rest, I had never considered all the ways we need rest either. And for the record, I’m still a work-in-progress in integrating rest into my life. 😁