August is the month of REST!
Yep! Itās that time of year again. What are you NOT going to do?
Hi everyone, here is a message so nice we had to run it twice (with a little remix of course)! Happy reading and self-care goal setting!
Here at ASBC we aim to slow things down a bit for in August. In that, we do not have as many activities and events, we have shorter hour of power worship services, we dress a bit more casual and take on a slooo-www-eee-rrr pace for most things. Why? Because we need time to capture the essence of taking a break. So why not join us on this journey.
What is a four letter word for pause, take a breath, and relax? If you answered REST, you are absolutely right! This small, four letter word is often met with heavy contention and resistance. Moreover, we tend to think about what we will lose if we stop, who we will disappointment by saying no, what we will miss out on by staying home instead of what we can ultimately gain. Additionally, we fail to take a complete account of the burdensome weight added to us when we do not rest. That weight often consists of chart topping levels of the āchronicsā as I like to call them. Chronic stress, chronic tiredness, chronic anxiety, chronic feelings of being overwhelmed, chronic frustration, chronic anger, chronic worry, chronic sadness, chronic isolation, chronic illness and chronic poor self-care habits to begin the list. Many of which- if addressed with rest and self-care can be more healthily managed.
Scholars and researchers consistently support healthy self-care practices and strongly suggest that these practices become routine in order for one to receive the proven benefits. Benefits that include the reduction or elimination of anxiety, depression and stress and an increase in happiness, healing and holistic progress. One critical aspect of self-care is REST. Rest is truly a gift from God. We often recite and refer to the 23 Psalm, however, when we slow down and take in its message, one major component of it is REST. David paints an amazing picture in this scripture of the restoring and rewarding power of REST and specifically RESTING in Godās presence and in Godās prepared place in order to heal. This, for the believer is vital to the journey and all that life brings, gives and takes.
In the words of Pastor Wesley, ācan I push itā? Why thank you!! Rest carries a significant role in our lives. Without it we rob ourselves of the ability to revive, reset, refocus, regain, realign, restart, āreā anything in a greater more God pleasing way. Rest is biblical. Rest is soul-filling. Rest is physically necessary and mentally revitalizing. We cannot live without it. I encourage you to go back and grab these points and more in Pastorās sermon entitled Selah as we enter into this time and space of rest. Take this time to develop a new relationship with REST during the month of August.
Here are a few tips to help get you started:
R-Consider what can wait until your Returnā¦
If you cannot go cold turkey and just stop everything- then think about what can be placed on hold for 30 days. Then look at what can be lessened. Do you have to be on all 15 Zoom calls for the week, every conference call, every chat discussion? Look for opportunities to ātap outā in order to take a breath.
E-Make every Effort to Enjoy your timeā¦
Be creative during this time. Take a nap in the middle of the day. Get up an hour later, shut down an hour earlier. Take an adventure by re-reading your favorite book. Take advantage of virtual offerings (tours and vacations). Enjoy a safe stay-cation. Start a phone tree and call someone you have not talked to in a while. Remember, COVID-19 has not cancelled everything. Do something different and replenishing.
S- Surrender to the path rest leads you on.
Make a goal to embrace and be intentional not to resist resting because it is different. Use this time to work on being more disciplined and comfortable with rest in every area of your life.
T- Time is of the essence-
Remind yourself that Time is important. You cannot get it back once it has passed. Take full advantage of this time by honoring Godās will concerning rest. Taking time to rest will make all of the difference in your life.
Before I go, consider journaling about the following:
- What makes it hard for you to rest?
- What do you notice in your body, mind, spirt and soul when you try to rest?
***
I leave you with this prayer:
I wish you rest today. I wish you a deep knowing that
exhaustion is not a normal way of living. You are enough.
You can rest. You must resist anything that doesnāt center
your divinity as a human being. You are worthy of care.
– Tricia Hersey Author, Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto
During this time why not tune into ASBCās Mental Health and The Sacred Sanctuary (MHSS) and our two MHSS Master Classes scheduled for this summer. Check your email and The Alfred Street YouTube page for airings. We will see you then!
Resource Information:
ASBC Selah and Self-Care guide
NIH Self-Wellness Kits
Mental Health America
NAMI
National Lifeline: dial 988 from any phone for mental health crises/suicide support, 24/7
When should I seek professional help?
Seek professional help if you are experiencing severe or distressing symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more, such as:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
- Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning because of mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
- Inability to complete usual tasks and activities
- Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
Drop us a line at pastoralcounseling@alfredstreet.org and tell us how you are doing!
For further information, assistance, or for counseling referrals email:
NOTE: due to an overwhelming response, counseling requests are being wait-listed and answered in order received.Ā Contacting your insurance provider, employer provided employee assistance program team or EAP team or larger platforms like Better Help or Thrive works may be a better option for an immediate request.