Spiritual Wellness is when we are in touch with our spiritual selves and find meaning in life events. It is connecting to your inner and outer worlds to support you in understanding what has shaped your values, morals, beliefs that guide you in your life’s purpose.
Spiritual Rest doesn’t have to occur when you’re feeling depressed, broken, hopeless or lack motivation. Making time for spiritual rest can be a daily wellness practice.
When we make spiritual wellness a part of our daily lives, we tune in to the Divine, ourselves and our connections. We tune in to ease, refreshment and revival.
We solidify what is valuable and meaningful for us.
For me, it starts with my connection with God. For others, it may be connecting with nature or something that gives them hope. It is not necessarily religious.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30 (esv)
I think of spiritual rest as enjoying the presence of the Lord – through prayer, reading and meditating on Scripture, by viewing nature in its splendor as an outpouring of glory from our Creator, and by loving myself in all the ways He made me so I can love my neighbor in the same way.
December 2022 was a month of deeper spiritual rest. I began my winter rest from work and I was given a break from the service of teaching and preaching, as well.
I traveled. I had new experiences. I ate great food. I made new connections. I celebrated. I rested. I had fun. And there was deep sadness, grief and loss, as well.
It was a time of soul rest for me. I didn’t have to do anything except to just be provided for and to enjoy the gifts and presence of people and things that fed my soul.
I just chose to receive rest, nourishment, ease and peace.
Go ahead and get away.
How much time do you get, or take, alone? I love time alone. But as a homeschool mom to a very active, seven-year-old boy, a FT entrepreneur and PT caregiver, I don’t get much it unless I’m in the shower or I purposely schedule time away.
We have to act on intentions that benefit us and those we serve. So again, schedule the time away and take it.
Alone time is important to be able to hear, to not be responsible for anything and to really let down your guard. Schedule time to be alone.
And while you’re alone, reflect on and shore up your values, non-negotiables, boundaries, beliefs (learned and unlearned). Seek to connect with yourself without ego – by being a compassionate friend in understanding who you are, where you’ve been, why you chose different paths, what your strengths and gifts are and how you desire to be in this world – confidently, lovingly and unapologetically.
Sometimes the answers you seek require you to slow down, breathe and be quiet so you can hear the still, small voice. That voice wants to guide you towards seeing your life and purposes in ways to lift and delight you, even through the difficulties and pains of our human experience.
You can start today, if this dimension of wellness has been neglected. Take 5 minutes where you are and meditate. Go for a walk and breathe in goodness. Book a night or two at a hotel and just be with yourself. Visit a church service in-person and soak in the atmosphere.
Whether mid-day, end of day, multiple times a day, do what eases you. Tune in to your body and how you feel. Search your own thoughts. Listen and ask questions.
Every day, we can choose to enter into spiritual rest.
Let me know how you make time for spiritual rest practices. What is most beneficial for you? How do you incorporate it into your day? How can you make alone time a priority (if it's not one already)? If you have enough alone time, how can you connect with others spiritually?
Read the about our January Theme - Spiritual Wellness.
And check out this resource: Women Connected in Wisdom: Stories and Resources Rooted in the 8 Dimensions of Wellness. A "book of the month" resource to ignite your story of overall wellness.
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