Choosing Moments of Rest Amidst Stress
Returning to Center Amidst 'Frenzied Noise', Breath Prayers & Walking Labryinths
“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.