You have a to do list that is never ending. The upcoming spring season is ramping up yet it’s lost its luster for you. You begin to dread getting up in the morning, even with the hope of spring.
What is going on in your mind, heart and body? Easter and the hope of spring is coming and you want to feel all joyous and happy but you have to get there first! Instead you feel all worried, grumpy and exhausted. How can you find any time to plug into a sacred rest that restores?
What is Sacred Rest?
When I think about sacred rest, I think about letting go of all the hurry and worry and letting God direct my steps . This is easier said than done. I am so good at making lists, scurrying around to get things done and making sure that everyone else is taken care of.
However, I am slowing learning that “making” everyone happy and well taken care of is not necessarily my job. In the past, when I have attempted to do that, I am usually the one who gets mad and grumpy and overloaded.
To practice sacred rest so that you can enjoy the arrival of spring and the Easter season, plugging into sacred moments through simplicity,silence and solitude are ways I have found helpful.
These practices provide the time needed to restore my mind, heart and body so that I can feel joyous, happy and hopeful, no matter my circumstances.
How do I give myself permission to regularly plug into simplicity, silence and solitude?
Simplicity
Inherent in the word simplicity is simple. The act of simplicity helps me determine what is essential in my life. How do you enjoy the where you are at this moment and make it simple for yourself and your family?
The promise of spring often brings more business or more activities to plan or places to go. I can feel myself ramping up, yet not have the energy to do so. What is really essential right here, right now?
For me, I’ve decided I have to set aside more time weekly to focus on my husband and myself staying connected. I have let business building distract time with him so it’s time to refocus my schedule and simplify how I spend my time on business building
Silence
Time can get noisy, with lots of activities, people, places viaing for your attention. Taking time to sit with God in silence can totally refresh your mind, body and soul. Silence is a chance for your brain to regenerate, reduce stress and tension and be reflective.
Solitude
Even in a busy household, you can enjoy solitude. It might be in the shower, if necessary. However brief, that time of solitude — a time for yourself to recharge without any demands on you is a time of rest.
What about you?
How will you create your sacred rest in the midst of busyness? What can you make more simple in your life and your family’s life? What is really essential? What would silence with God look like? Where can you go for some solitude?
As you read these questions, what resistance is bubbling up? Acknowledge the resistance and take that to God as well so that you can find the restorative rest you desire.
In this world of darkness and angst, especially as we approach the Easter season, I am grateful for rest and sacred moments with God. He lights our paths and restores hope and joy in our families, regardless of our circumstances.
Besides life coaching, I can support you as a spiritual director in your quest for a closer walk with God and your soul care. Contact me and let’s see what a monthly time focused on God in your life might look life. You are welcome to sign up for my free resource 10 Ways to Find Sacred Moments.
Nancy Booth helps you discard chaos and uncertainty as you journey towards a well-nourished life after 50. She helps you embrace wellness, purpose and intentional connections in your life. Her coaching process helps you design your own personal roadmap to help you build a healthy, purposeful and peaceful mind, body and soul. She would love to walk your journey with you.
She also writes for Publishous, where a version of this article first appeared.