I was reading some old notes this week that reminded me that rest is a come as you are scenario. I love that. Like love that. It's such a kind-feeling invitation to not have to be put together.
I tend to run through life exuding an even-keeled personality. Many days can be a steady ride, but on many others, like today honestly, I’ve been up, down and around the emotional wheel several times and it’s just now noon.
I’ve had to talk myself off of the irrational emotional ledge several times for plain ordinary reasons. I’ve learned those little (or big) pep talks I have to give myself quite regularly are just a necessary way of life. From conversations I’ve had with many friends over the years, I know it’s common.
Sometimes the very best way to help myself give an accurate pep talk is to get to a place of surrender with what I’m actually feeling (which I’ll outline a bit below). It’s a practice that often surprisingly leads me to a moment of welcomed real rest because it allows me to be exactly as I am.
Ritual of Rest #12 - Surrender
Consider: How are you really today?
If that feels like too broad of a question, you can narrow it some by asking this question (ritual #1). Or consider if there’s a feeling that you’ve been carrying extra of around lately (stress, anxiety, joy, gratitude, anger, resentment, etc.)
Be as honest as possible as you answer.
Consider: Why are you feeling this way? What’s it connected to? Follow threads of thoughts.
Be as honest as possible as you answer.
Consider: How would it feel to accept where you are? What would that mean for you?
Allow yourself to sit with these questions and follow threads of thoughts as they come.
Be as honest as possible as you answer.
The truest definition of surrender I’ve come across is to be honest and accept what is.
Often this means coming exactly as I am, and it’s a giant relief (and gift) to be real with myself (and maybe God too)—and to melt into giving myself a moment to just be.
**Note: sometimes in my mind the way the questions and thoughts above are phrased makes me thing that what I need to be “honest about and accept” has to be a hard thing of some sort—but it could equally be something you feel deep gratitude, excitement or joy over as well.
An Advent Meditation…
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?
Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest.
Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
(Matthew 11:28-30, MSG)
A Few Archived Posts:
Motherhood Meltdowns, The Weight of Lies, And the Heartbeat of Rest
Ritual of Rest #1: Starting Small
Ritual of Rest #9 - Mundane Moments, Creating Space, Silence: Scary or Craved?
I just love how you express your thoughts! Thank you Katherine for using your gifts to help other women. You DO have a way with words 😘JP