The Real Meaning of Rest

I've begun an intentional period of doing less of the things that feel like shoulds and more of the things that feel fun, restful and fulfilling to me. If you feel called, I invite you to do this along with me.

My intuition has been nudging me to do this for awhile but I've been ignoring it. I was telling myself I could just push through.

I was operating most days from a white-knuckled, "It's fine. I'm fine."

But a couple of weeks ago I decided I didn't want to ignore the very clear message from my intuition any more. I've decided to turn my focus inward to me.

This doesn't mean I'm retreating to a remote island and abandoning my whole life.

I'm still going to be coaching and serving my clients and my community. I'll still be showing up for my kids and my relationship and my life in general.

But it does mean I'm going to take time every day to check in with myself, my intuition and my guides about what would serve me best that day. It might be a mid-day nap between calls, fewer posts on Instagram, less frequent newsletters, a day off, a game night with my kids, an afternoon adventure somewhere new or an overnight trip to see people I love and watch a beautiful sunset.

It also means less on my to-do list and letting go of the pressure to check the boxes and do things because I "should". The focus on me is instead of some other things I was doing not in addition to.

Are you joining me in this time of fun and rest? What sounds fulfilling and rejuvenating to you?

In Human Design the Spleen Center holds the signals about your need for rest.

Although the Spleen is about rest, it doesn't always mean sleeping or doing nothing. When you feel exhausted or like you need a break, the remedy might be to change it up and do something that boosts your energy instead of wearing it down.

If, like me, you have a defined Spleen you have the ability to keep going even when you're exhausted. You're probably afraid if you take your foot off the gas or do things just for fun everything will fall apart.

I challenge you to tune in to what your intuition says you need - physically, mentally and energetically - even if it's not on your to-do list. Trust you'll actually get more done when you make time to take care of yourself.

If you have an open Spleen you may feel depleted easily or have trouble working on something consistently or for long stretches. You probably judge yourself because you think you should be able to do more on a regular basis.

I challenge you to listen to your body and give it what it needs without shame or guilt. By working with your energy levels instead of fighting against them you'll accomplish more, not less.