One thing many of us have struggled with since the onset of the pandemic is finding rest... Not just sleep (although that's been lacking for many too)... But true, rejuvenating, internal rest that is lasting.
It's hard to find peace even in the quiet when there is so much external and internal turmoil! Shutting your brain off has grown increasingly challenging because of all the noise and changes around us. The news always has some fresh bit of devastating information to add to the current complex dynamics. When home life and so many of our norms have been disturbed, and the things that we used to rely on for therapy like travel, socializing, and going out have been stripped from our grasp, finding internal peace and true rest as been nearly impossible for many.
I have a very strong spiritual faith and a hope beyond what I can see. Even with that well intact, this past season has still challenged my ability to maintain the peace I can often find from my faith alone in times of struggle. In hind site, I am grateful for the testing because it always builds endurance for greater trials to come. However, in the midst of it, I thought I might be losing my strength and began questioning if my belief and hope were enough.
Thankfully, I have seen my faith and inner peace grow stronger than ever when passing through the testing and finding light on the other side. It wasn't easy though, and there were many days I doubted that finding my internal rest would ever be possible again, at least in this life. I didn't master this technique in the process, by any means, but I did walk away feeling as if I will be better prepared to keep my focus the next time the waters get rough...because indeed they will.
I have learned that keeping your inner peace is really a discipline that takes regular maintenance and practice. If it is neglected, it doesn't just sustain itself on its own (although that would be nice.) I'm learning to be intentional about taking more time to invest in the things in life that can't be shaken or stolen from me by fear, confusion, chaos, or uncertainty. Prayer, journaling, song writing, guitar playing, walking, talking with friends, taking extra moments to cherish the special memories with my children, having a long soak in the tub, or slowly sipping an evening cup of tea are all ways I have taken note of that promote this sense of wellbeing that isn't replaceable or easily disturbed.
I can say that for most of my motherhood and nursing journey, so far, I have not been successful with executing these things regularly, nor was I even aware of how helpful or needed they were for me for quite some time. However, this last season of turmoil has cemented this concept in a me in a way that I hopefully won't easily abandon in the future. I would encourage all my readers to spend a little time reflecting on the things that you've identified in your life that do your soul well. After reflection, don't let that be where you stop. Take or make time, whatever the cost, to commit yourself to making your inner peace one of your greatest priorities, for without it, I fear your future stability will most likely be at stake as well. Find rest for your souls my friends.
Comments