The Art of Deep Rest: Recovering Energy and Purpose Through Stillness

🎧 Episode #56 (The Art of Deep Rest: Recovering Energy and Purpose Through Stillness)

We can resist a quiet space, a space of deep rest, because paradoxically, it can feel odd and a bit uncomfortable to rest in stillness and safety. We aren’t used to it. But, after a month of big life transitions, some of which were very joyful, I needed a deep rest. Not sleep or distraction but a rest of mind, body, and soul. I surrendered to this need for rest, even though my to-do list was long; what I gained was strength, creativity, clarity, and focus.

If you’ve been running on empty, this episode is a gentle reminder that you can and should press pause sometimes.

In this episode, I explore:

• What deep, restorative rest is and how it's different from sleep.
• How periods of rest help restore your creativity and energy as you let go of control.
• How rest impacts your nervous system (especially the fight or flight response) and can contribute to longevity by having a positive impact on your body at the cellular level
• The 7 types of rest, with examples of activities in each category; one or more will no doubt speak to you
• Journal prompts to help you identify which type of rest you need, giving you time to reflect on your need for rest

💭Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Rest is not passive; it's a restorative, powerful and healthy component of essential self-care.
• Deep rest protects and heals the mind and body, working at the cellular level to repair your body
• You may have difficulty settling into deep rest at first; that's just because your mind and body aren't used to it yet. Give it some time and have faith that even 5-10 minutes of deep rest is restorative and beneficial.
• There are 7 types of rest (physical, mental, emotional, sensory, creative, social and spiritual)
• Listen to your inner voice when deciding what type of deep rest you need, and journal to help reflect on which type you need most

Journal Prompts for Taking Steps to Engage in Deep Rest

Here are some journal prompts to help you identify and connect to the type of deep rest that might be most restorative to you. Reflect and write about these questions.

We are complex humans with many sides to ourselves – analytical, emotional, empathetic, hard working. We can pull back from our default ways of being and make time for deep rest without fear that we will lose our edge or lose sight of our goals.

Restorative work, especially creative, contemplative sessions, empowers us. And an empowered self is always an asset. Don’t be afraid to let go of the internal power struggles and stressful states. Enjoy life by resting in comfort and safety, and let deep rest bring you ever closer to the bright side of the beat.🌞

Podcast Music: My thanks to all the musicians who make incredible music and have the courage to put it out into the world. All music and sound effects for my podcast are sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe.

Songs in this podcast episode: Deep Desire by VAULTZ; Solar Wav by GEMM; Pyaar Kee Seemaen by Cast of Characters

Related Episodes:

The Nature Connection: Finding Peace and Perspective (episode #28)

Resources:

The Power of Deep Rest

The 7 Types of Rest that Every Person Needs (🎧 Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's TED Talk)

New Resource!

On the podcast, I often explore tools and strategies to reduce overthinking. Now, I've created a fun, art-lovers practice guide to stop overthinking, worry, and rumination. Click below to read it now.

The Art-lovers Creative Practice Guide to Stop Overthinking, Worry, and Rumination

This is my creative take on the process (and practice) of releasing the grip of overthinking using four modalities -- body connection, art/creativity, nature, and writing/journaling.

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Journaling Resources

30-Day Journal Challenge (Writing Prompts to Get Started)

Here’s a fun & simple 30-day journal challenge for beginners (or those who need inspiration). Use the daily prompts to rediscover yourself.

Let the Verse FlowJill Hodge

Journaling 101: An Inspirational Guide to Start (or Revive) a Practice

Whether you write, doodle, draw, or keep memorable quotes, journaling uncovers YOU. Let your unconscious mind speak, download my free guide.

Let the Verse FlowJill Hodge

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