Guest Blog: Rest to Rise

In a world that asks us to produce, strive, achieve and simultaneously, experiences epidemic levels of anxiety, depression and burnout, I have found another way. A way that is far more generative, kinder, and joyful. That way is through REST. 

What?!? Oh, I know. As crazy as it sounds, Rest is actually the most productive thing you can do and allows for a level of success, abundance and joy that is derived from ease rather than depletion. Can you imagine if you met your goals and lived your dreams from peace instead of hardship, joy instead of resentment, creativity over anxiety? I promise it’s not too good to be true but does require some re-orienting. 

So, let’s first define Rest in this context . . . 

While “rest” implies sleep, for these purposes, we’re looking beyond the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep nightly. While that is certainly necessary and is a baseline need, Rest in this context refers to tuning out the noise of the external world and connecting with one’s own internal landscape, essentially shifting from an over-stimulated nervous system to one that is regulated and calm. 

There are many ways to make this shift. Activities such as meditation, mindful walking, warm baths, gardening, painting and many, many more land us in a regulated state, and it is from here that we gain clarity, truth and intentionality. 

What we’re talking about is activating your Parasympathetic Nervous System or our “Rest and Digest” response. Decisions made from here will be more thoughtful and calm and they will be more aligned with our personal values and well-being. When we move from this regulated state, we are able to better prioritize our steps ahead (= efficiency) and because those steps are connected to our deepest understanding of our values, they will be far more sustainable (+ productivity, - burnout). Rest offers a direct pathway to clarity, freedom and peace. 

Now reading this, ask yourself the following . . . without any judgement whatsoever: 

● What stories/thoughts arise when you consider taking rest for yourself?● How much rest do you invite into your days? Why or Why not? 

● What might keep you from seeking more? 

● How do you rest? 

What I often hear is that while rest sounds nice as a concept, there are too many other things to do first . . . too many responsibilities, duties, obligations and if we don’t do them, who will? Sound familiar at all?
There are very specific historical and cultural reasons for why you might find yourself echoing that thought. I find it’s helpful to have some understanding around that so that you know that you’re not alone and that there’s nothing wrong with you. 

The most important thing to consider is that we live in a culture that celebrates industrialization and capitalism; as a collective, we value hard work, productivity and achievement to the point where we have assumed that as an individual value as well.
Now listen - there are many wonderful things that have arisen from this and the fact that I’m writing to you now in this format is one of them. But it's also true that the idea of rest is completely counter-cultural, thus inviting assertions of laziness, self-indulgence and downright selfishness which would certainly prevent one from seeking it, despite evidence of its necessity. 

Compound that collective value of productivity with being a woman who is already socialized to do for others before herself and you’ve got a mountain of obstacles that would certainly prevent slowing down and resting. 

However, at some point, it takes a toll. The friction that arises from following the directives of the culture leads to distress in a multitude of forms: emotionally, mentally, spiritually, financially, relationally and physically. Which is much of why so many people suffer from anxiety, depression, exhaustion, loneliness and a myriad of physical ailments. At some point, living outside of a regulated state and out of alignment with one’s own values and integrity will hurt. 

It’s a slow and tender path back to rest. It’s one that requires deep contemplation, introspection, curiosity and above all, compassion for one’s self. And dang, once you find it, you will not only get a reprieve from the noise and expectations of your external world but it’ll give room to what lies underneath - your dreams, your longings, your purpose. 

So while completely counterintuitive and even rebellious, Rest is actually a most loving and kind pathway to your own well-being. Today, get your hands in the dirt, pull out the paints, grab your knitting needles, draw a hot bath, or simply drink your tea in the sun and you’re on your way to a life designed by your own dreams and peace AND one filled with boundless joy.