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Writer's pictureGina N. Brown

Embracing Rest: A Path to Wholeness


Saundra Dalton-Smith, M.D., the author of Sacred Rest, writes that “rest is the most underused, chemical-free, safe and effective, alternative therapy available to us.”


As a Black woman who deeply values the power of rest and self-care, I am excited to share the transformative journey we'll embark on at our upcoming rest retreat. Understanding and embracing Dr. Dalton-Smith's seven areas of rest can profoundly impact your well-being, helping you to restore balance and nurture your soul. Let's delve into each area and discover how they contribute to a holistic sense of rest and rejuvenation.


1. Physical Rest

Physical rest is the most familiar form of rest, yet it's often the most neglected. It goes beyond merely sleeping; it involves listening to your body and giving it the care it needs to recover from daily stressors. This can include:

  • Passive Rest: Sleeping and napping to allow your body to heal and recharge.

  • Active Rest: Gentle activities such as stretching, yoga, and walking that promote circulation and muscle relaxation.

At our retreat, we will create a space where you can engage in both passive and active forms of physical rest, ensuring your body feels rejuvenated and energized.


2. Mental Rest

Our minds are constantly racing, juggling multiple thoughts, tasks, and worries. Mental rest is about quieting the noise and allowing your mind to find peace. Techniques for mental rest include:

  • Mindfulness Practices: Engaging in activities like meditation and deep-breathing exercises to center your thoughts.

  • Unplugging: Taking breaks from digital devices to reduce cognitive overload.

During the retreat, we will offer guided mindfulness sessions and encourage moments of digital detox to help you achieve mental clarity and tranquility.


3. Emotional Rest

Emotional rest involves finding a safe space to express your feelings and release emotional burdens. It's about being authentic and vulnerable without the fear of judgment. Ways to achieve emotional rest include:

  • Therapeutic Conversations: Sharing your experiences in a supportive environment.

  • Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings as a form of emotional release.

We will create a nurturing community at the retreat where you can freely share and process your emotions, fostering a sense of emotional liberation and support.


4. Social Rest

Social rest is the need to balance social interactions, finding solace in supportive relationships while setting boundaries with draining ones. It includes:

  • Nourishing Connections: Spending time with people who uplift and inspire you.

  • Setting Boundaries: Learning to say no and protecting your energy from toxic interactions.

Our retreat will bring together a community of like-minded individuals, providing opportunities to build meaningful connections and practice healthy social boundaries.


5. Sensory Rest

Our senses are constantly bombarded with stimuli from our environment. Sensory rest involves reducing sensory overload and finding peace in a calm, soothing atmosphere. Practices for sensory rest include:

  • Quiet Spaces: Spending time in silence or in nature to reduce sensory input.

  • Soothing Environments: Creating a calming space with soft lighting and minimal noise.

The Elohee Retreat offers a serene natural setting, perfect for sensory rest, where you can disconnect from the noise and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.


6. Creative Rest

Creative rest is about rekindling the sense of awe and wonder in life, allowing your mind to wander and imagine. It involves:

  • Artistic Expression: Engaging in creative activities like painting, writing, or crafting.

  • Nature Inspiration: Spending time in nature to spark creativity and inspiration.

Our retreat will include creative workshops and opportunities to explore the beautiful surroundings, helping you tap into your creative energy and find inspiration.


7. Spiritual Rest

Spiritual rest is the deep sense of belonging and purpose that comes from connecting with something greater than yourself. It involves:

  • Meditation and Prayer: Engaging in practices that deepen your spiritual connection.

  • Community and Reflection: Sharing spiritual experiences with others and reflecting on your purpose.

At the retreat, we will offer spiritual practices and group reflections that nurture your soul and provide a sense of spiritual fulfillment.


Conclusion

Understanding and embracing the seven areas of rest is essential for achieving holistic well-being. Our rest retreat is designed to help you explore these areas, providing a comprehensive approach to rest and self-care. By dedicating time to nurture your physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and spiritual needs, you will leave the retreat feeling refreshed and equipped to care for yourself in a new, gentler way.


I invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Let’s come together, rest, and reconnect with our whole selves. You deserve it.


The Rest Retreat will be held November 14-17 in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains. Click here for more information or to book your reservation.


Shalom,

Gina

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