There comes a time when your mind seems to be on mute and you can’t think or come up with something creative. Some give a name to it- anxiety, boredom, stress, etc. For a writer, it can be labeled ‘writer’s block.’ Do you ever consider you are not blocked? Ever considered it a moment of rest? Remember, whatever the mind ponders upon, the physical responds to it.
When we refer to rest, it is not just sleeping or binge-watching on a movie or going shopping or things of that nature. Resting in this context is focused on the mind because when you are watching movies or shopping, you are still taking in content and your mind is definitely not at rest at this moment. Rest is to time to keep calm, a time to let your mind fallow. You could say, it’s a time to let your mind rejuvenate. Yes, rejuvenating is not just for our hair and skin; our mind needs to rejuvenate also. You know, when people use the term ‘young at heart’ for an older individual, that means their mind is always rejuvenating, their mind is always refreshed and lively.
When we go through a quiet or difficult season, a time after we’ve worked so hard to the point that we do not have anything else to offer or even the strength to offer it; some of us tend to become restless, afraid that we are losing, we are failing, we are not good enough, we need to abandon the project and even fall into depression. Don’t throw in the towel my friend, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We all go through this season at one point or the other in our lives and I can assure you it’s not forever. This is not a time to be restless or allow negative thoughts to take control of your mind. Forcing your thought to make decision is not an option either, you might not like the decision you make with a forced idea on a later day.
It is time to listen.
Whatever the situation may be, that is causing you to be restless, take some time to rest and listen to the voice in the storm- The voice of God. His voice is the calmness that searches the deepest part of us and instructs us. If you become restless, you can miss out on the message. Our Abba father instructs us in his word in Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; (NIV). This is a time to take a break, meditate on the word and be still. Slowly but surely, in that moment of rest, your light bulb will literarily come on.
Ideas on how to rest:
– Make a conscious effort to create time for rest. It could be taking time off from work.
– If you usually work from home, take a break and go out to a different environment. Walk on the beach or a trail.
– Still want a place inside the house? Find your hot spot (taking long shower can be calming). Find somewhere you can get some alone-time.
– Unplug from social media during this time of rest, if you are usually on there a lot.
– Listen to a message, gospel music or spa music as you lay on your bed.
– Sleep earlier than usual, wake up earlier than you usually do. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the morning with exercise, some worship songs or reading a book.
– Talk to someone, ask for help. This is quite important. Be honest with yourself and ask for help if you are in need of it. Talking to someone can be a form of healing.
Stay rejuvenated friends!