My ‘ideal’ ways to rest often consist of –
A trip to the ocean on my own with books and journals on hand
A trip to my favourite clothing stores and homeware stores… (I LOVE this one but have to convince my husband we need a few extra things before going otherwise how easy is it to spend over $500 on things we don’t *really* need?!)
A trip to a local cafe
Dancing freely to music I love
A long bath or shower at the end of a productive day
… and yet, life as a mother is full and not all or sometimes any of those are realistic on a weekday.
Here are some unconventional ways I’ve discovered rest and refreshment for my soul:
1. Acknowledge what you are made for and spend time connecting with others
Mary Oliver says, ‘It’s giving until the giving feels like receiving. You have a life — just imagine that! You have this day, and maybe the next and maybe still another.’ A life that is abundantly whole is a life that gives.
Although setting boundaries, self-care, and mindful breaks may improve burnout they do not sustain our souls. We are human beings! We are designed for beauty, emotions, family, laughter, sorrow, vulnerability and so much more: we are fearfully and wonderfully created.
Give to those around you; activate love in your life; bake a cake for a friend going through a rough time, write an anonymous note to encourage someone, have good friends over and put on a delicious shared dinner.
How can I love as I have been loved?
2. Pay attention to the small blessings of your life and delight in nature
“It was when I was happiest that I longed most…The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing…to find the place where all the beauty came from.” C.S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces
Pay attention to where the beauty in your life comes from. Notice the gifts in your daily routines that are like ‘sparkling jewels’ amidst the rugged landscape of your life; watch the sun pour through your window, hear the rain against the roof, listen to Bach and be drawn into the mystery of the music, taste a delicious drink at a beautiful cafe – feel and appreciate life in the small details. Importantly, pay attention to where you are wasting time or where you could cut back on work, and replace with times of observation and delight. Find rest in moments that you would normally hurry. Stir the dinner pot slowly and observe all the scents. Water the lawn with care and imagine how green the grass will be growing. Let your heart be watered by stillness and wonder.
3. Pause and consider ways you may be unknowingly escaping from rest
What areas of your life are you escaping from rest? Are you staying up til 10pm watching Netflix when you could sleep? Are you avoiding inviting friends to a catch up because you don’t think you have time (when you do have time and it would refresh you)?
Seasons of transition and hardship have taught me the beauty of our Saviour and how to trust in Him.
Time will move on. This season of hardship and burnout will end.
Do not escape from rest: Welcome rest, glimmering stillness in your daily life.
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