Embracing the Power of Rest: Why Taking Time to Recharge is Essential for Authentic Living

In our fast-paced, productivity-driven society, the value of rest often goes unnoticed. We find ourselves caught in a never-ending cycle of busyness, striving for success and achievements. However, it is in the liberating act of embracing rest that we discover the catalyst for authentic living. Rest is not merely a pause from activity; it is a radical practice that holds the wisdom of transformation, if only we have the courage to listen. In this blog post, we will explore why taking time to recharge is essential for living authentically, as we tap into our free will, speak our truths, and passionately engage with life's cosmic dance.

Rest as a Transforming Force

Rest, often misunderstood as laziness or unproductivity, is actually a powerful agent of change. It is in the act of resting that we allow ourselves to integrate the experiences and learnings of our journey. Just as a seed requires stillness to germinate and grow, we too need moments of respite to process and assimilate our experiences. Rest is not an agitating force; it is the space where we consciously become aware of our thoughts, emotions, and desires.

By embracing rest, we tap into our sovereign power—the power to choose how we spend our time and energy. In a world that constantly demands our attention, rest becomes an act of rebellion, a declaration that our well-being and mental health are essential. When we honor our need for rest, we reclaim our agency and empower ourselves to live in alignment with our values and aspirations.

The Wisdom of Resting and Listening

Rest grants us the gift of listening—to our bodies, our minds, and the whispers of our souls. In the stillness of rest, we attune ourselves to the subtle vibrations of our being, gaining insights that may have eluded us in the busyness of everyday life. By cultivating a practice of rest, we become more conscious of our needs and desires, allowing us to make informed choices that nourish our holistic well-being.

In the act of listening, we uncover the wisdom that lies within us—the wisdom that guides us towards our true path and purpose. Rest becomes a conduit for self-discovery, a sacred space where we connect with the divine spirit that resides within us. As we surrender to the restful embrace, we awaken to the light within, illuminating our authentic selves and the path that beckons us forward.

Rest as the Grounding for Authentic Expression

Rest is not solely about physical rejuvenation; it encompasses the restoration of our mental, emotional, and spiritual faculties. When we prioritize rest, we create the necessary foundation for authentic expression. Our voices are no longer muted or diluted by exhaustion or overwhelm; instead, they resound with clarity and passion.

Through rest, we become empowered to speak our truths unhindered by societal expectations or external pressures. Rest liberates our voices from the shackles of conformity, allowing us to express ourselves with authenticity and vulnerability. It is from this place of rest that our words, actions, and creations carry a deeper resonance—a resonance that echoes the cosmic rhythms and dances in harmony with the wild nature of our souls.

The Sisterhood of Rest and Recharge

Rest is not solely an individual endeavor; it is a collective practice that weaves together the threads of sisterhood and motherhood. As women, we are intimately attuned to the rhythms of rest and replenishment. We understand the transformative power of surrendering to our own needs and nurturing ourselves, for it is from this place of inner nourishment that we can nourish others.

When we honor our need for rest, we create a ripple effect that inspires and empowers those around us to do the same.

We foster a community of conscious women who vibrate at a higher frequency—a frequency that radiates love, compassion, and authenticity. In our shared journey of rest and recharge, we reclaim our womanhood, embracing our roles as custodians of the light within, both for ourselves and for future generations.

To sum it up:

In a world that often glorifies perpetual motion and busyness, we must reclaim the radical practice of rest. Rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity for our holistic well-being and the cultivation of authentic living. As we learn to embrace rest, we tap into the wisdom that lies within, grounding ourselves in our own power, and awakening to the transformative potential that rests within every moment of stillness.

Let us liberate ourselves from the chains of incessant productivity and surrender to the catalytic force of rest. In doing so, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and authenticity. May we find solace in the cosmic dance of rest and rejuvenation, embracing the wild nature of our souls, and nurturing the sisterhood that amplifies the vibration of love and light within us all.

Being truthful

Do you ever look in the mirror and think: omg my skin is so ugly, thin, pale, has zits or scars? Or do you ever come across situations and you criticize yourself over and over replaying it in your head?

 Fuck I hate that.  It's like I obsess about what I should do, not do, look like, be on trend, fit in, or be me...

 Then I heard something, "what if there was no judgement?"... And I started thinking, what IF there was no such thing as judgement? Is that even possible?

 Yes. It is possible. You're living your life in your lane. Not in anyone else's. You stand there in the mirror with your smile, your love, your laugh. It's all you.

I feel like we judge people as an affirmation, validation, or flexing authority onto a situation or person... And why? What do you gain?  How do you feel different for doing that?

I realized that it doesn't matter. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a switch I flip over night... This takes legit effort. But my realization is that judgement doesn't matter. I don't have to subscribe to that belief system.

My power comes from love. My love for helping those that hear, see, and feel me. They're seeking some kind of connection and clarity. To help others, I have to actually practice this.

 It is REALLY hard! But I remind myself, daily, how can you be express love in this situation? You can say almost anything in a loving way, it doesn't mean to be a door mat or passive aggressive, but staying and being true to myself. Maybe I need time to reflect, pause, be still for a moment before responding.

 I honour myself, and let myself be free of limitations and self imposed expectations.

Your truth is the love you show yourself, which is how we are perceived by others. 

xx Erika

What's a Woman's Circle?

What is that? Is that some kind of witch craft or hippy thing?
I know some of you totally thought that!

Many of you don't know me, and the impression is we're going to chant, hold hands, sing kumbaya, and burn sage... if you know what that is. No, and not the point.

The point is to sit together, listen, and share. In a circle, no one talks over one another, we only give time to share our thoughts, wisdom, feeling, ideas, and any other inspiration, one at a time.

We share together. We all have shit on our plate that needs sorting. Relationships with ourselves needs maintenance, regularly. So I figured, why not? We need to come together, find our sisters, and truly just be ourselves together.

If you need any of the above, come find me.

I'm holding a woman's circle twice a month, check out here for events.

xx Erika

Lost myself in motherhood

So many women lose ourselves in motherhood. Enter in: The Rolling Fog. The transition of fading away from yourself, interests, passion right before your eyes.

At some point we all come to this crossroad and realize we've faded, lost our brightness, our will to fight for ourselves. Do you remember who you are? Your favourite tv show, hobbies, when you last got out for fresh air?

Motherhood is a constant onward push of: bum changes, feeding, sleepless nights, baby feedings, babysitting, and baby drop offs. We are the master comforter and doer of all. This is taxing. It drains us of compassion, emotion, connection, and stimulation.

When I was pregnant, I was so focused on preparing for Shoshanna that I neglected how to navigate this transition, and the capacity on this change on my personal growth. I spent much of my time looking for a place to live, as we were moving, packing, cleaning, and just trying to not drown in my life. I feel that mentorship within a sisterhood can help us navigate of this time in transition and rite of passage.

We all get it wrong before we get it right, to feel vulnerable is very unsettling. Once we transition to motherhood, we redefine ourselves. This whole undertaking is done with sleep deprivation, mental fog, hunger, exhaustion, emotions. A huge responsibility and we're forced to survive.

I forgot to be kind to myself, sometimes even angry. I would think things like, why bother showering when I won't leave the house? Why shave my legs when I don't feel sexy? I'll just wait for Whit to come home to bring dinner and not cook for myself. This went on for months. Some parts of me felt like I was unworthy, and for no real reason. Just an idea I wanted to believe, so I wouldn't have to be responsible for myself. I told myself this story.

I became an imposter. The amount of energy it took was everything I had that was left. You can't give long-term what you don't have. I am choosing to lead by example, getting back in the driver seat.

Sisterhood circles are to end the war of just surviving. We show our babies who we are when they see us connect with others. Your sisters are women that have gone before you, on their journey from motherhood and womanhood. We offer support, wisdom, and a safe place to just come and let your hair down.

xx. 

Work and life

Transition and walking through this journey is a day to day adventure.

 Before I got pregnant I had a different life, working full time, dragonboating, socializing, taking my dogs to the dog park, and watching tv.

 Then I got pregnant. Changing gears to no sports, going on medical leave, chilling with my pups, and still watching a lot of tv.

 Shoshanna arrives, and now walking into motherhood. For my pregnancy and birth I used a doula, without Beckie I could not have found my calling. She brought the best out of me.

 So I did doula training with a 4 week old baby, for 13 weeks, and here became the juggling act of baby, my own ambitions, work (at a new job), and life. I was really accustomed to driving all my undivided attention into one project, I can't do that anymore. I quickly realized that I need to assess my energy level and then plan for how I will spend it.

 It's not easy. Some days, I've got 4 burners going, but let's be honest, really only 1 is going, and the rest are simmering... At best...

 I still find myself struggling with assessing energy and where to spend it.

So what do I do?   Make a list, top 4 things I have to, then I pick top 2, and then which is either the most important, or fastest to complete.

 If you don't finish it, who cares? It'll be there later. You're one person, it's okay.

Worthwhile things are seldomly easy. Being anxious, worrying over small things, worrying about the future... These are all things out can't directly influence today.

I am learning and growing... Daily... Life is good.

Good talk. 

xx Erika