Rest Is A Command, Not A Reward
Hi, friends! I'm forever in a constant state of working on rewiring my brain to clear out vestiges of trauma and toxic thoughts. One that I've battled the longest - feeling unworthy of rest. So many of us feel guilty for resting or think we haven't worked hard enough or accomplished enough to deserve rest. Beyond that - effectively resting in our fast-paced and demanding world is getting harder by the day. Resting is often mistakenly equated solely with sleep, but in reality, it goes much deeper than that. It is about rejuvenating not just our bodies, but also our minds and souls. It is a time to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves. We are all called to rest, and we all deserve it.
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God." - Exodus 20:8-10
There are several strategies and tips that can help us achieve a more profound and meaningful sense of rest in our lives. One key aspect is to understand that rest is not a luxury but a necessity – it is God's command. In order to truly rest, we must learn to let go of the constant striving and busyness that often consume our lives, and instead, create moments of stillness and calm. Clearing our minds from the noise and distractions that surround us is essential in order to embrace true rest. This can involve decluttering our physical space, as well as our mental space, by letting go of worries, anxieties, and unnecessary thoughts.
Finding solace in prayer and meditation is a deeply personal and transformative practice that can profoundly impact our emotional and spiritual well-being. In the midst of our busy and often chaotic lives, taking the time to engage in these contemplative activities offers a sanctuary of calmness and introspection. When we carve out moments for silence, we create a sacred space where we can attune our minds and hearts to the whispers of our innermost thoughts and emotions.
Through the act of prayer, we express our hopes, fears, gratitude, and desires to a higher power, seeking comfort, guidance, and strength. This act of surrendering to something greater than ourselves can provide a profound sense of reassurance and connection. In meditation, we delve deep within ourselves, exploring the vast landscape of our consciousness and emotions. By quieting the external noise and distractions, we can tap into our inner wisdom and intuition, gaining clarity and insight into our true selves.
As we embrace these moments of stillness and reflection, we create a pathway for divine or universal guidance to illuminate our path forward. The practice of prayer and meditation can help us align with our values, goals, and aspirations. By listening attentively to the whispers of God, we may uncover hidden truths, receive inspiration, and discover a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in our lives.
In addition to physical health benefits, quality sleep also plays a significant role in our mental well-being. Prioritizing quality sleep is not just a matter of getting a certain number of hours of rest each night; it's about the quality of that rest. Quality sleep involves deep, restorative sleep cycles that allow our bodies to repair themselves on a cellular level. During sleep, our bodies release growth hormones that help with tissue repair and muscle growth. Additionally, our brains consolidate memories and process information, leading to improved cognitive function and better problem-solving abilities.
Furthermore, quality sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system. While we sleep, our immune system produces cytokines, proteins that help our bodies fight off infections and inflammation. Without adequate sleep, our immune system may become compromised, leaving us more susceptible to illnesses. Lack of sleep can lead to mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. On the other hand, when we prioritize quality sleep, we are more likely to feel emotionally balanced, alert, and focused throughout the day; therefore, by emphasizing the importance of quality sleep, we are not only ensuring our bodies have the opportunity to rejuvenate and repair, but we are also setting ourselves up for success in all areas of our lives. Making quality sleep a priority is a fundamental aspect of self-care and overall well-being.
True rest goes beyond just physical relaxation; it is a state of mind and spirit that involves a profound acceptance of the present moment and a release of control over the future. When we surrender to the flow of life, we acknowledge that there are forces at play beyond our understanding and that we are part of a larger, interconnected web of existence. This surrender is not a sign of weakness but rather a display of strength and trust in a higher power's wisdom and guidance.
Letting go of the relentless pursuit of perfection in productivity allows us to embrace imperfection and uncertainty with grace and humility. It is in these moments of surrender that we cultivate a deep sense of faith and belief in the inherent goodness of the universe and our place within it. We come to realize that everything happens for a reason, and that even in times of rest, there is a divine purpose unfolding in our lives.
Stop thinking God's goodness is based on YOUR output.
Through this process of surrender, we open ourselves up to profound inner peace and clarity. We let go of the burdens of worry and anxiety, and instead, we find solace in the knowledge that we are being guided and supported by a higher power. This sense of trust and connection brings about a renewed sense of purpose and direction in our lives, allowing us to move forward with confidence and courage.
It is important to remember that rest is not a sign of laziness or complacency, but rather a necessary part of our journey towards growth, healing, and fulfillment. God doesn't need perfect productivity from us to display His glory. He does not expect us to "perform" 100 percent of the time. In our moments of rest, God's work continues to unfold within us, shaping us into the best versions of ourselves and leading us towards our highest potential. So, embrace rest as a sacred practice, a time to recharge your spirit and realign with your true purpose in life.
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