Soul Care for Wounded Healers

Soul Care for Wounded Healers

Share this post

Soul Care for Wounded Healers
Soul Care for Wounded Healers
Choosing Moments of Rest Amidst Stress

Choosing Moments of Rest Amidst Stress

Returning to Center Amidst 'Frenzied Noise', Breath Prayers & Walking Labryinths

Bethany Dearborn Hiser's avatar
Bethany Dearborn Hiser
Dec 09, 2024
∙ Paid
2

Share this post

Soul Care for Wounded Healers
Soul Care for Wounded Healers
Choosing Moments of Rest Amidst Stress
2
Share

“Everyone of us needs half an hour of prayer each day, except when we are busy- then we need an hour.” –St. Francis de Sales

Breathe

INHALE: I deserve more than exhaustion.

EXHALE: I return home to myself.

INHALE: May I rest,

EXHALE: that I might dream.

INHALE: I've given enough.

EXHALE: I choose rest.”

-Cole Arthur Riley, Black Liturgies

Choosing Rest Amidst Busyness & Stress

So often if we have set aside time for rest, we think of all we can do. Especially during the holiday seasons. We are productive beings, driven by our society, compulsions and exhaustion. As Cole Arthur Riley points out below, “we have been indoctrinated into systems of dehumanization.”

In the US, we are post-elections that divided our communities and country. We may think we have no time for rest, or we are too anxious to slow down, or things feel out of our control, yet it is all the more essential to live and move from a grounded place.

Look for the small moments: Choosing Rest may look like taking a few deep breaths while waiting in line/car, instead of phone-scrolling.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve offered a few practices and reflections on God’s invitation to abide, dance, and connect—and how God waits for consent.

I’m creating a SOUL CARE DAY guide that I will share in the new year.

To prepare and slow down for a moment or day of rest, you might slowly read the confession by Cole Arthur Riley below, engage with the journal prompts, or practice the included finger labyrinth exercise. I’ve also included a newsletter I wrote last November on Contemplation in Crisis

Whether for 5 minutes a day, or on a day set aside, may you embrace your human limitations and honor your need for rest and connection with your Source.

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Soul Care for Wounded Healers to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Bethany Dearborn Hiser
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share