If ever you feel stuck in your own head, circling through the same thoughts over and over again, take a deep breath, loosen your shoulders, relax your jaw. Let your body itself remind you, it's okay to just be present here. You do not have to sort through everything in your mind right now. Yes, there is a lot on your plate. But it also might not be humanly possible to work through it all today.

Other people may have expectations of you, and there will be times where someone really does need what you have to contribute. And at the very same time, this is true: you will not be able to give on empty. No matter how busy your schedule is today, I hope you're able to find a way to at least spend a few moments away from everyone else in the wilderness to collect your thoughts and come back. And if reading these very words is a part of that, I am so glad that you are here.

In an ever busy world, this is no easy feat. And here you are taking time to slow down and breathe. Even when you still have things left on your to-do list. Even when you still have deadlines that you need to meet and projects you need to complete. Right here, right now you are taking the time and it matters. And when you are at the slower pace, notice how your heart feels and be gentle with whatever comes up. Whether you feel

shame or guilt rising up from a past that made you feel like you were not worthy of rest

fear or anxiousness or restlessness because of what you might be missing, or what long list of things might be piling up when you're not constantly working, or what emails might be coming in when you're not looking…

Whatever comes up, be gentle with yourself.

Whatever happens today, be gentle with yourself.

The nature of the world that you and I are living in right now is incredibly demanding. There are many things that call for immediate action. At the same time, you can only give what you can give and you cannot give if you are empty. So give your energy where you need to give energy, and rest where you need to rest.

Some of the most energetic, well known musical compositions ever composed have notations in them called “rests.” Because the composer knows, oftentimes intuitively, that even when you have planned and practiced and prepared for this moment of performance, you will only make it so far without taking a moment to breathe. When your mind is racing. give yourself permission to rest. Give yourself permission to rest, knowing that taking time to rest doesn’t mean you’ll wake up with the answers for everything, but it can serve as a bridge from overthinking into peace.

Journal: When was the last time you took intentional time to rest? And how did that make you feel?

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