The Importance of Intentional Rest
I’m sure you are thinking… I rest, I sleep; or I rest, I veg out in front of the TV; or I’ll rest when I’m dead! First, you don’t rest when you are dead, you have a big journey (back to when I talked about that book ). Second, sleeping is a) not restful for some… same reason as above or b) this is actually your bodies repair time so your being is subconsciously active. Third, and I’m hugely at fault for this one, TV is not actually nourishing and restful. I am trying to switch up my habits to add more nourishing rest during the day, and intentional TV watching at night.
Ok, let’s dive into the TV one first…
Like I said, here and before, I am a huge TV person. But I was never intentional about my TV watching, I just did it because I thought that was a good way to rest or celebrate my midday freedom. I realize now, it is just as draining as any other activity that does not nourish and fulfill me. So, I do still watch TV of course, but I am much more intentional about it, and try to remove the guilt from the scenario. I know this may sound like a lot of work, but if you are more intentional with your time, every activity is more nourishing to your inner being and soul. When you are aware of the narratives and programming you can also create better boundaries with what you are watching, or again really notice how it drains you. So, I am not saying “don’t binge a whole series or season”. I’m just saying be mindful, aware and intentional about it. Instead of “I should [evil should] be doing…. x,y,z” and making it full of guilt and anxiety, shift your mindset to “I am really going to sit down, relax, and enjoy this show”. Again, simple shifts in perspective can make all the difference.
Back to Intentional Rest in General…
“Where intention goes, energy flows”.
This quote is sourced by too many people, not sure the origins, but I hear it all the time with all the personal development / self-help that I have been reading and following in the last little bit. But this is a big one to keep in the back of your mind, especially when we are talking about “intentional rest”. You can set any intention or mindset you want for any activity and your body is programmed to listen to your brain and do as it says. If you set the intention “I’m not going to sleep well tonight” and whole heartedly believe it, guess how your body responds. If you set the intention “this nap/walk/show is going to be restful and rejuvenating” your body will also respond. Why do you think certain healing modalities work or don’t work for certain people? It’s the mindset that you bring into the situation. If you always say, “I hate yoga” well you will hate it. No one is going to change that for you, if that is your mindset. Imagine if you put that sort of mindset and intention on restful and nourishing activities in your daily life.
Instead of just “taking a break” at work and thinking “I don’t have time for this coffee” “they will think I’m lazy” “I’m not working hard enough to deserve a break”, why not try, “this is going to be a relaxing walk to get my coffee”. First, you are tricking your body into relaxing. Second, if you can really believe it, that is the vibration you will give off. If you are vibrating low with fear and anxiety; yes, your boss or co-workers will probably pick up on that. But if you are walking to the break area with purpose, ease and flow, your high vibration will put everyone else in a good mood, and probably keep them off your back.
I’m not saying this is the magical solution to all your problems either. Remember this is all work. First, you need to believe in your mindsets. If you are walking around saying this is restful, this is restful, oh yes this is restful; but in your quiet mind you are thinking I don’t deserve this. You are self-sabotaging before you even get a chance. The first step is saying these things out loud or in your head, but you also have to believe them. I journal about how deserving I am of this, or proud I am to accomplish that; but deep down I know I don’t believe it – working on that. I am always waiting for the other shoe to drop. So, guess what? It drops. Then my ego can be like “see, told you – validated!!” If I just live in flow and alignment and believe that those things will work out, they really do. Because I have no mental blocks to my worth.
What does this have to do with Intentional Rest?
I know, sounds a little off topic, but we are talking about intention. Intention is all about mindset. So, we have to talk about all these things because they are all related. You will not feel rested if your being is believing you are not worthy or deserving of rest. All these practices will just be surface level, just by you time. But in the end, like me, you will burn out.
Keeping in mind that anything can be restful when we set that as our intention. What are some practices that bring you soul nourishing rest? If you are not sure, that is ok. Part of the practice (and fun) is discovering these. I invite you to grab your journal and ask yourself the following questions, see what comes up for you and write down the first things that pop into your head. This is your journal, so you do not need to censor yourself, or make sense of what you are writing even. Just let it flow. You can come back to the answers later.
Get comfortable. Take a few deep breaths (you can practice this breathwork). If it is part of your practice, you are welcome to connect with or ask for guidance (however that looks for you). Here are a few different things I have tried: dear guides of the highest truth and compassion I ask for your wisdom and guidance for my greatest good; dear beings of divine light, energies of everlasting love I ask for your guidance for my [the] highest and greatest good; dear guides of the highest frequencies and positive polarity please guide my words; or whatever works or you. Like everything, take it or leave it 😉
Then, ask yourself these questions:
Does my inner being feel safe in this moment? If no, what can I do to be more comfortable to receive?
What does my body need for rest?
Is this true or is this what my ego/mind wants?
What does my soul/inner being/higher self (choose the word that resonates) need for rest?
[if you still feel stuck] Heart, what does my soul need for rest?
What does my soul need to feel nourished?
Write until you feel complete. How will you know? Trust me, you will know. Take a deep breath in, and out. Let it all go. Take a moment to complete your practice; chill, breath, drink some water, move your body, thank your guides, remind yourself with this months affirmation, whatever you need.
Why did we repeat the questions so many times in different ways? Your ego is sneaky, remember it constantly wants validation, so it loves to create drama. Let’s just say it’s not blatantly sabotaging you, but it’s not helping you get to your highest evolvement of self either. By repeating the questions and directing it differently, you learn how answers from your higher self / inner being feel in your body, vs. when you just hear them through your mind from your ego. Now again, this is not to say that you won’t always “hear through your head” but you might come to notice that the answers are more immediate and less censored or feel different in your body when they come from your inner being. I like to say, “come from your heart”, but I don’t want you to focus on “did I feel that in my heart” either. There are some fun games you can play with yourself, but let’s save those for their own topic.
Back to your questions and answers…
Go back and read what you wrote. See what your inner being needs for rest. Then see if you can be intentional about adding those to your daily practice. Again, doesn’t need to be like a chore. If its once a week that is an amazing start! As you incorporate nourishing and intentional activities your being will crave those more, so you will automatically start carving out more time for yourself, or better routines without even needing to try. Less trying = less chore-like = more sustainable.
Don’t forget, you may fall off the wagon. That is ok. Some weeks it might be easier to look after yourself and rest than others. That is ok too. Let your energy ebb and flow. If you notice you are falling off from the practices that make you feel good, acknowledge them, send yourself love, and change your mindset to start again. No need to beat yourself up about it. These are “practices”, not solutions. You can always start again.
Good luck, and I hope you enjoy discovering your restful practices. You can leave us a comment here, or on the monthly intention social post to share with your community. If it works for you, it might for another, they just haven’t thought of it. Always great to lift each other up.
Much Love 🤍