How to rest well

Today, I am in a metaphorical cave. Today, I’m being pulled inward to look at exactly what’s in front of me at any given moment, and nothing more. Time spent "doing nothing."

I used to feel like I had to justify doing nothing. And then, when I went to go do it, I didn’t really know how. And usually, I ended up doing something to numb the exhaustion I had worked myself up to feeling.

What “doing nothing” means for me now is really listening to my body and doing what it wants or needs in any given moment. When I woke up today, I felt a sense of slowness. I had a hard time rising from sleep. My muscles were sore. It took me longer to move through the basic morning ritual of making sure that I’m fed, watered, and cared for.

Of course, I resisted a little at first - I had plans! Things I wanted to do! And this caused tension and frustration, until I realized what I actually needed was to surrender my to-do list and be with only what was essential. Rather than be at odds with my needs, I found a way to say yes to myself and do the basics in a present, loving way. I started following my whims. I did simple things: lying down feeling-breathing, taking a nap, walking the dog. I made some epic toast with a home-grown tomato from my garden and it was the main event.

What’s beautiful is that this restful place has allowed me to feel held by love. I don’t know if I would have felt that if I hadn’t taken the time to slow down and really feel what that’s like for me. And over time, I have come to trust rest when it calls. It allows me to return with a natural desire to do what needs to get done and often, perspective to see what wasn’t really important in the first place.

So, if you need a reminder to heed the call of rest, then this is it: Doing nothing is a valuable activity. No justification required. And it can be done in small in-between moments or long stretches of time depending on what’s available. The body shares a wealth of wisdom when it is allowed to lead.

If this is not something you do often, treat it like an experiment. See how it makes you feel in small doses and go from there. I know for me, it’s become a regular place that I need to visit in order to feel like myself. Like diving down into my inner depths to be washed, loved, and replenished.

What is your body calling for today? And if you can’t make the time for the full answer, what is 1% that you could honour?

I am hosting a public workshop called The Collage Portal on Sunday, August 23 at the Yoga Circle (Vancouver) and there are still spots remaining. We'll honour the season and make cosmic crafts about what matters most to you. It's also a moment to connect with community by relating first with our hearts and authenticity. I'd love to see you there.

The Collage Portal is a creative workshop where you will make your own oracle cards using magazines, paper, and mixed media. Through guided prompts and reflection, you will gain fresh perspective, connect with others, and leave with a meaningful keepsake. This edition invites you to celebrate the abundant, unhurried quality of summer before we begin to approach the Autumn Equinox, as well as to explore other shifts happening in your life. 

You can read more and register here.