Monthly Incites
Lean Into Rest
Are overwhelmed, tired, or stuck words that describe you?
If your answer is yes, then here’s my gift to you this month: REST.
Ironically for me, and I’m guessing it’s true for most of us, I had an inner resistance to rest. It didn’t come easily.
I’d told myself so many times, “I’ll rest tomorrow or on the weekend, or when I’m on holidays. I don’t have time to rest now.” I believed rest was optional – but it’s not.
As a recovering doer, I’m learning to accept that pushing through and trying to get it all done almost never works. Doing “busy” isn’t the answer if you’re not first connected to your why, your vision and who you want to be.
I’ve begun to embrace a deeper relationship with rest that I hope will encourage you.
Intentional living includes making room for intentional rest because rest is at the core of our mental, physical, and emotional health.
Rest allows us to be more of who we truly are.
In part, I was resistant to rest because I saw only what it stopped me from doing and not what it gave me in return. It was a limitation, an obstacle. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. After spending time exploring what this thing ‘rest’ is, I now know there are many more ways to experience rest than stopping, napping, or sleeping.
There’s a variety and depth to rest for our bodies, minds, hearts, and souls.
As I continue to lean into rest, what it offers keeps expanding.
Rest for me now includes physical movement like swimming, walking, and stretching. All of which leave my body feeling relaxed and rested. It includes getting outside in nature which fills me with a physical and mental calm. Visiting art galleries, aquariums or concerts, takes me away from my day-to-day struggles, doubts, and anxieties, and inspires my mind and heart, allowing me to breath more deeply and rest.
Rest can be found in making time for meaningful conversations with friends. Or it can be found in play!
Journaling, prayer, and meditation also bring a deep rest to my soul – an inner peace. When you slow down enough so your mind can rest you allow new insights and understanding to enter.
I’ve also discovered there’s a connection between rest and my capacity for joy and wonder. Rest gives hopes and dreams room to be known, explored and experienced.
“Most of the things we need to be most fully alive never come in busyness.
They grow in rest.” Mark Buchanan
Incite Actions:
- Observe without judgement what you are telling yourself about rest and what you do to resist rest.
- Explore new ways of resting. What could that look like for you? Feel free to try some or all the things I’ve been exploring. Block time in your calendar to help make this happen.
- Notice. Ask yourself, “What is my favourite way to rest? What does it give me? What is different after I rest?”.
- Check this out – spend time doing things you loved to do as a child!
If you’d like some help figuring it out let’s do it together. At Incite Coaching, I offer one on one coaching and workshops. To book a free Inquiry Call please contact me.
Until next time,
Elizabeth
Harness the Power of Journaling
Journaling has been around for centuries and there’s lots of reasons for that. The practice of pausing, reflecting and writing has been proven to reduce stress, increase creativity, and even help you sleep better. Through journaling you can build resilience, learn from your experiences and gain perspective.
The very act of setting time aside for yourself is a powerful expression of self-care. You’re affirming that listening to yourself is important. A deep listening that leads to self-knowledge and self-awareness and that’s hard to get any other way. It gives you clarity in all areas of your life, including decision-making.
I began journaling when I was a teenager. I’d throw myself into it when I was confused or struggling, but once the crisis had passed, I would put it aside. I have lots of journals but most of them are only partially full.
One thing I’ve come to know is that to get the most out of journaling, it’s best to do it regularly. Of course, like most things, when I really need it, like when I’m feeling overwhelmed, conflicted or just not in the mood, is usually when I least want to do it. So, a few years back I began to explore different ways to journal, what gets in the way, and how to set myself up for success.
What can set you up for success?
Incite Actions:
- Choose a time that works for you. You might choose morning because journaling helps clarify what you need to focus on for that day. Others journal at night to help them unwind. Whatever you choose, schedule it in to your day and stick with it. Set a reminder on your phone.
- Find a place to write that’s comfortable, calming and where you won’t be interrupted. While this works for most, some prefer a coffee shop or being out in nature.
- Engage all of your senses. You might want to journal by candlelight, with a cup of tea or coffee, a warm blanket, even music.
- Put a time limit on it. I recommend 10 to 15 minutes. That might seem short but let’s face it, if it’s any longer than that you’re far less likely to do it.
- Write regularly. Consistency is key to uncovering all journaling has to offer.
We’re all unique. Do what works for you. Change it up when needed. If routine results in boredom you’re less likely to continue.
The second challenge is to make it meaningful. How you journal is directly linked to what you want to get out of it. Try one, two or all of the approaches below.
Making it meaningful
Incite Actions:
- Grab 3-5 key questions to ask yourself every day. This keeps you connected to what motivates you and clear on what you want to focus on. Change up the questions as needed. Here’s a few I’ve used:
- What were my highlights from yesterday?
- Is there one person or event that I am grateful for in this moment?
- What would set me up for success today?
- Is there an empowering belief will help me today?
- Free writing or stream of consciousness writing. The most popular example of this is Morning Pages from the book, The Artist’s Way. Don’t overthink free writing. Just put down on the page what comes to mind. This puts you in touch with your unedited, uncensored self, and can also release your creativity.
- Choose a quote, affirmation or scripture and write about what it means to you, how it inspires or challenges you and what difference it could make in your life.
- Gratitude journals are popular. Research has consistently shown that connecting with what makes you grateful makes you feel better about your life.
Get creative
- Pick a picture you’ve found or one that you’ve drawn and write about what it means to you
- Choose a key word from your journal entry and calligraphy it across the page
- Make a collage
- Write a poem or haiku
Whatever you do, don’t let your inner critic stop you. Journaling is not about your handwriting, sentence structure or grammar. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Write for an audience of one. Most people choose to never share their journals.
Remember, the self-awareness that is accessible through journaling will support your goals and dreams, help protect you from exhaustion and resentment, and keep you focused on what’s important.
At Incite, I offer coaching and online workshops. If you want to find out more or book an inquiry call please contact me here.
Until next time,
Elizabeth
Embracing the Heart of Self-Care
Pretty much everyone’s living in a state of overwhelm these days. Maybe you feel stuck, you’re navigating change, or there are just too many demands on you. In response, there are lots of services and products being offered that are connected to self-care, however, most focus on the symptoms and not the underlying cause. Although they might add momentary pleasure to your life, such as face masks and scented candles, true self-care goes much deeper than that.
I want to take you on a journey to discover the heart of self-care.
It’s not an ‘add on’ to your life but a core foundation for daily living. And it begins with you. This inward focus helps you recognize what will best serve your mental, physical and spiritual health, both now and in the future.
Connecting with the heart of self-care is transformational.
You can begin right now by taking a few minutes to slow things down. Try watching the clouds go by, counting your inhalations and exhalations, or rubbing the palms of your hands together. The important part for any of these actions is to focus ALL of your attention on that one thing. In this way, you’re pushing the pause button on your busy life, even if only for a few minutes, and research shows that this calms your mind and body.
I’ve noticed in my life coaching practice, that when women take the time to pause and listen from this calm place, they often hear their inner voice. What’s your heart saying to you?
Maybe it’s nudging you to take a look at the boundaries you have or the new one’s you need. Or you might want to place more value on your “yes’s” and use them only for those things that are truly important. Are there things you need to stop doing? Is there a courageous conversation you need to have? Do you want to shift your focus?
Give yourself permission to embrace the heart of self-care.
What would truly make a difference for you? Don’t be influenced by others’ choices or your social media scroll.
And don’t let the “should” monsters take control. Your actions don’t have to be big grand gestures. Start small and build. Choosing every day to take the next small step is what will make the difference over time.
Whatever you choose, make sure to put structures and routines in place to support you. Check-in regularly with yourself – what’re you noticing? What adjustments might you need to make? What new actions are you now ready to take?
There are plenty of proven approaches to assist you along the way, including journaling, walking in nature, practicing gratitude, praying, exercising, and sharing with someone you know and trust.
A thoughtfully crafted self-care journey is foundational to creating the life you want to live. It will support your goals and dreams, protect you from exhaustion and resentment, and keep you focused on what’s important.
If you’d like to talk with me about developing a self-care journey that is transformational please reach out.
I’m here for you,
Elizabeth