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. ๐Ÿ™‚

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:
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