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.

How do we stay OUT of competition?

Have you been THAT person or know someone who has a natural inclination to “one up” in a story? Sometimes, if I’m being real here, I’ve caught myself doing it. It happens. We’re human.

In circle, it’s really important to give space for others to feel comfortable to experience the depth of their moment. Here are my circle guidelines.

1. Resonate, not compete. You have permission to be real, raw, vulnerable, and authentic.
   You have permission for self-expression.

2. We are co-creating sisterhood, share Ownership. We all hold up the integrity of the group, and you are responsible for your own growth and expansion.
   We are weaving this sisterhood together. Our authentic vulnerability resonates together.

3. This is a safe + confidential space. We do not share names or stories of our sisters. We can ask for permission and the sister has the right to say no.
   We do not console, unless the sister is asking for it.

4. Speak-up when feeling triggered + out of alignment. Let go of "suffering in silence", lean into being vulnerable. Navigate where this trigger is coming from.

5. Connection over promotion. We support each others' work from a place of authentic connection. This is so you don't feel spammy energy. We love hearing what you are up to, pls be respectful and mindful.

6. We will not "fix" anything. This is a hard one, especially for mamas.
   Let us trust that you have the answer within. If you are still searching or lost, please give permission for "fixes".

7. Play on our edge, and honour this container. You are responsible for how you show up. Being vulnerable is always so hard.
   My challenge to you is do not suffer in silence, instead play on your edge of vulnerable sensation.
   You are not alone.

8. I commit to tell the truth. Be honest with first yourself, and then others.
   We hear you, sister. We see you.
   Healing from the inside starts with truth.

9. I commit to opening my heart. When we are feeling vulnerable, sometimes before we recognize the feeling, we shut it down.
   I commit to opening my heart, when I'm shutting down.

10. I commit to me + tribe. We are hear for each other. This space was created to be the container in which we connect to ourselves + sisters.
    We do this through integrity, respect, and vulnerability.

What happens when someone breaks one of the rules? I gently remind you: it’s not scary, you don’t get fired or reprimanded. We’re all learning how to be in circle. It is allll good.

Alright sista, that’s it for now.
Erika

How to Reconnect with Yourself

Hi mama, are you okay? See below for some much needed self love.

1. Weekly Ritual: Take time every week to do something for you, uninterrupted, child free, and totally focused on you.
2. Ask yourself, "What can I do right now to make me happier?" Is that being happier at home? Work? Volunteering? Grabbing your favourite chocolate bar or tea?
3. Create a vision board of goals: What are simple things you can take regular steps towards accomplishing? Make sure you can do these things in a loving way, not so much focused on losing weight, but maybe going for a walk with your best friend, or a new friend you made.
4. Enjoy something that you did before you were pregnant: Going to a Paint Nite class? Pottery? Snowshoeing? Spa date?
5. Join a sisterhood: connect with women that see the power within you. Laugh, share stories, struggles. These are circles that can offer you unconditional non-judgemental support.

If you're in the area, reach out to me, we can go for coffee or sushi date.

Not Today...

I just can’t.

Some days you wake up and the immediate reaction is “nope. not today.”

Waking up the next day after you baby is born, you may feel like a shock to your system. You know you’re suppose to feel all this love, bliss, glow, and be swelled with all this motherhood.

Back the bus up, that was just yesterday. Or maybe it was a week ago, a month ago, or even a year ago.

You’re not alone. I still wake up some days and think, “Can I take a raincheck?”

I LOVE Shoshanna, but man, all the things we fill on our plate. And sometimes there really isn’t even anything “big” going on, you’re just thinking NOPE, not today.

Well you have my permission, I’ll give you that raincheck. What is the WORST thing to happen today? I’m not saying throw in the towel, but yourself permission to say YES, not today.

You’re not alone.

xx Erika