Peace, Love, and Rest

Rest as an Act of Resistance and an Invitation to Peace

The poet, David Whyte, says that to rest "is not to give up on the will but to invite it back again as a good servant to the soul's desires instead of the heartless and exhausting task master it becomes when we push it to the leading edge of our identity." The will serves the soul instead of the other way around.

The midwinter season is a time to rest, to go within, but just as nature is settling in for a good rest, we enter the holiday season of "more." More shopping. More food. More parties. More rushing. All this leads to less quiet time, less sleep, less rest. You get the picture. While there are those who thrive on the hustle and bustle of the season, many of us will ourselves through it, a servant of our to-do list instead of our soul, only to find ourselves exhausted come January first, feeling like we need a holiday from the holidays! 

I recently discovered Tricia Hersey and her website The Nap Ministry. Hersey sees rest as an act of resistance, as a way to resist a system that keeps telling us to do more and more. Rest as a counter narrative to grind culture that often views people as machines rather than divine beings. A culture that often keeps us exhausted. Our exhaustion has led to a deep disconnect with our bodies and minds. Restoration is needed. It's right there in the word: to restore...we must rest. Rest connects us with a deep well from which we can drink. A nap is an act of self care, but I prefer to call it self-generosity. That generosity can also come in the form of a few moments of meditation, a leisurely walk, a good book, a cup of coffee, listening to a favorite song, and so many other ways we can give ourselves a rest from the frenetic pace around us. It's an invitation to peace. An invitation to connect with and hear the rhythm of our soul.

Rest Opens a Channel for Peace

In this season of prayers for peace on Earth, I am reminded of the song lyrics, "Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me." One of my favorites for its simple but profound message. I am reminded of St. Francis' prayer to be an instrument of peace. We say to those who have left this life, "Rest In peace." Why wait? We can make time to rest and restore now. To find peace now. It's these acts taken by each of us in our own way that help cultivate peace on Earth. Don't abdicate your role. We each have a part to play. Commit yourself to peace each hour of your day. Fold in moments of rest. 

This holiday season, I encourage you to make time for stillness. Write yourself a permission slip to rest and post it somewhere where you will see it each day. Give yourself permission to say "no" to one holiday commitment that doesn't serve your soul. The Divine cannot do for us what it cannot do through us. Rest opens a channel for something greater to work within you and through you. It helps us to inhabit the space of being in the world but not of the world while also allowing life to hold and carry you. It helps us to become acquainted with our soul's desires. 

Nature and the Gift of Rest

Nature knows by instinct that rest is necessary for renewal. Phases of dormancy and stillness are necessary to flourish. Animals hibernate. Trees enter a dormant state. The days are shorter. The word "solstice" literally means "sun standing still" (sol=sun, stice=stop). We can also take inspiration from the Danish concept of Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah) which translates to practicing a sort of coziness or well-being. The Danes are some of the happiest people in the world, so they must be on to something.  Give yourself the gift of rest this season in whatever way feels good to you. As A Course in Miracles says, "There is an ancient peace you carry in your heart and have not lost." 

Peace be with you,

Cindye