When Rest Finds You
Reclaiming rest as rhythm, not reward.
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Sometimes, the universe whispers.
Other times… it sends you to bed with a frozen neck.
This month, in Circle of Joy, our practice of choosing a Word of the Month led me to Rest.
After a stretch of months that felt like endurance training, I welcomed it with open arms - and then promptly injured myself. Twice in one week. Let’s just say: the message landed 😅
In truth, it’s easy to speak about rest, much harder to live it. Especially the kinds of rest that aren’t visible. Not just sleep, but the deeper restoration that comes from emotional, sensory, or even creative rest.
So this felt like the perfect moment to revisit one of my favourite ways to explore rest — the 7 types of rest we all need, as beautifully shared by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith.
I first offered this in a guided talk on Insight Timer a few years ago, and it continues to resonate, especially for deep feelers, caregivers, and creatives navigating a world that rarely slows down.
If you’re finding yourself worn out in ways that sleep doesn’t fix… this might be a helpful compass.
You might be craving…
Physical rest – both passive (sleep, naps) and active (stretching, yin yoga).
Mental rest – quieting the racing thoughts and stepping away from constant decision-making.
Sensory rest – taking breaks from screens, noise, or bright lights.
Creative rest – soaking in beauty, awe, and wonder, not always producing.
Emotional rest – having safe spaces to be fully honest and real.
Social rest – discerning between life-giving and energy-draining connections.
Spiritual rest – reconnecting with meaning, purpose, and something bigger than ourselves.
You can save & listen to the full talk here on Insight Timer, or play the audio below.
This month, I’m leaning into rest not as a reward, but as rhythm. A remembering. A way to return to myself. To trust that rest is productive. That I am enough. That my worth is not tied to what I produce.
A gentle invitation to loosen the grip of toxic productivity… and let something softer in.
Which kind of rest are you craving most right now and how can you gift it yourself this weekend?
I’d love to hear - reply in the comments or simply take a quiet moment to notice.
With gratitude,
Rebecca
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You were up late !! How is your neck now ?