In this podcast episode, host Cherisse from "Rhythms that Restore" discusses the concept of strategic withdrawal - a military term. But likening it to turtles who must bask in the sun for survival. She emphasizes the need for humans to retreat and find stillness to restore themselves, addressing the societal pressures that lead to exhaustion and the performance mentality. Cherisse talks about the importance of setting boundaries, healing from unhealed wounds, and resolving toxic relationships. She offers practical advice for incorporating a "retreat rhythm" into their own life, such as scheduling downtime and creating their own a silent retreat time, urging listeners to listen to their authentic desires and find restoration.

The welcome (00:00:02) Cherisse welcomes the audience and sets the tone for the episode.

Gratitude and authenticity (00:01:17) Cherisse expresses gratitude and emphasizes her authenticity, encouraging listeners to embrace their imperfections.

Deep breath and pause (00:03:35) Encouragement to take a deep breath and pause, setting the intention for the episode's focus.

Reading from Isaiah (00:05:51) Cherisse reads from Isaiah 30, setting the stage for the topic of "invitation to retreat."

Visual of wilderness (00:10:21) Cherisse shares a personal visual metaphor of feeling exhausted and being guided through a wilderness, reflecting on her journey.

Strategic withdrawal (00:14:06) Discussion of the concept of strategic withdrawal and its relevance to personal retreat and healing.

Recognizing wounds (00:16:32) Exploration of the impact of unhealed wounds and the importance of strategic withdrawal for healing and growth.

Choice to fight or retreat (00:18:50) Reflection on the choice to stand firm or withdraw, emphasizing the importance of equipping oneself for life's battles.

Wisdom whispers (00:21:20) Emphasis on the gentle guidance of wisdom and the need to pull back, rest, and set new strategies for personal growth.

The importance of strategic withdrawal (00:22:33) Discussing the need for strategic withdrawal to restore the body and soul, using the example of turtles basking in the sun.

Recognizing the need for rest and retreat (00:23:37) Exploring the societal pressure to constantly be available and the importance of recognizing the need for rest and retreat for healing and restoration.

Challenges of living in a distracted society (00:25:05) Addressing the cultural norms around grieving and healing, highlighting the challenges of living in a constantly distracted society.

Operating out of an inordinate sense of ought and should (00:27:07) Examining the exhaustion stemming from operating under the pressure of "oughts" and "shoulds" and the impact on personal capacity and boundaries.

Struggling to receive help and setting boundaries (00:28:26) Discussing the difficulty in receiving help, the struggle to set boundaries, and the impact of living as a performer rather than an authentic self.

The impact of deriving self-worth from performance (00:33:46) Exploring the impact of deriving self-worth from performance and the struggle to pause, listen, and pay attention to authentic desires.

The need for boundaries and rest (00:40:45) Highlighting the importance of setting boundaries around availability and service to avoid burnout, along with the need for rest and retreat.

Addressing unhealed wounds and toxic relationships (00:43:54) Discussing the burden of unhealed wounds, unresolved tension, and toxic relationships, and the impact on overall well-being.

Release and Let Go (00:44:57) Discussion on the practice of releasing emotions and letting go of the need to control everything.

Healthy Boundaries (00:45:55) Importance of setting healthy boundaries around time and space for personal capacity and well-being.

Choice to Lean In (00:47:17) Reflecting on the choice to either avoid dealing with emotions or lean into God's rest and mercy.

Closing Remarks (00:48:43) Encouragement to embrace God's mercy and rest, and a reminder to stay connected for future episodes.

"Book: "Invitation to Retreat" by Ruth Haley Barton": "00:00:28" "Podcasting Course": "00:10:21" "Scripture: Isaiah 30": "00:05:51" "Quote: "I have lived too long where I am reachable" by Rumi": "00:15:20" "Ephesians 6:12": "00:20:17" "Wisdom Whispers": "00:21:20" "Book: "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessell Van De Kolk MD": "00:31:41" "Practice of Retreat at The Retreat House Memphis 

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