It’s easier to understand physical rest… but what about emotional rest?
Today I’m challenged with the idea of considering emotional rest, and responding to how I do this in my own life.ย I can think of a few things have worked for me:
1) Singing/playing the piano or listening to music. I’m not a virtuoso by any means, but this is something I simply enjoy. I simply sing or play whatever Iย want to, and afterwards, I feel at rest. Other times, singing worship songs with the radio has changed my perspective and calmed my spirit.
2) Taking a cup of tea and sitting in the quiet for a short time. Sometimes it’s hard to find a quiet place. Sometimes I have to carve out that time and make it happen. But when I do, I feel so much better. Sometimes I have to simply go to my room and lock the door for a bit to find some quiet alone time… and with kids around, it’s not always guaranteed to be quiet. ๐
3) Talking with a friend. Having a friend (or two) to be myself with, share with, laugh with, cry with and who doesn’t judge or try to offer me solutions… being with people with whom I have the freedom to be myself, relax and laugh… that is restful.
4) Reading the Psalms. For the past year and a half or so, I have read and re-read, and prayed aloud, portions of Psalms… I even told a few people that I had parked myself in the Psalms for a while… because my soul needed that rest. The words in this book have given me peace and comfort. One of my favorites verses that I’ve gone to over and over again is this:
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” Psalm 62:5
Making this list is a useful exercise… and an important topic. Reading through others’ posts on this topic has given me even more to think about.ย I’m writing today as part of the Faith Barista Jam session (topic: finding emotional rest)… How do you find emotional rest? Feel free to join in the discussion:
Psalm 62 is one of my favorite things to read when I need rest! I have even put parts of it to music that I hum in challenging times. Thanks for sharing ๐
Isn’t that a great Psalm… I love it also. What a great idea to put it to music. Thanks so much for sharing that with me!
I often slowly linger through Psalms when I need rest, and I love to sing along with the radio too. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I was so encouraged that you took the time to comment. Have a great weekend!
love having a cup of Indian tea ….:)
Oh, so do I, I love chai. ๐
I love how you incorporate emotional rest!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
โYes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.โ Psalm 62:5
Worth repeating! Thanks for sharing.
That is a well-repeated verse for me lately. Appreciate you reading and commenting!
A great list of ways to find emotional rest! Thanks for sharing them. I used to find that rest in playing my flute. There is something soothing about creating music.
Sheryl, I hope one day you can play your flute again. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
Anna, all 4 of these are soothing to me as well! I enjoy singing songs that incorporate the Psalms, so that combined 1 & 4 :). So wonderful to hear your emotional whitespace in our Faith Barista Jam last month. Blessings!
Bonnie, thanks so much for commenting! Your posts are an encouragement to me. So glad to have found you! Bless you!