Scheduling REST into our busy lives

Charley resting after a long day of running from Iowa City to Grinnell.

Everyone needs rest, including Charley.  Life comes at us fast, and if we don't schedule "restful moments" into our schedules, we'll get burned out (or get sick).

Definition of Rest: "To refresh oneself, as by sleeping, lying down, or relaxing" and "Refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion of labor."  

Before setting off on the AMS journey, this is how Jim chose where he would be running-to & speaking-in.  Rocks and a Iowa Map.   

In preparing for the yearlong Awake My Sole journey across the state of Iowa, wisdom suggested incorporating "restful moments" into the journey.  We wanted to make sure to get good rest, especially with pursuing such a labor intense occupation over a long period of time.

Jim was hosted in Bellevue Iowa this summer.  He got to REST in a old Volkswagon bus for a week.  This was his most unique resting quarters.  "No journey across the state of Iowa is complete without staying in a VW bus."       

Restful moments offer us a time to reset our inner compass, to reflect, to dream, to pray, to enjoy some quiet time, to enjoy the simple things of life.

Jim grabbing a cup of coffee at Toad's Coffee Shop in Spencer Iowa during his scheduled rest week.  

Scheduled restful moments in the Awake My Sole journey include:  

• Every Tuesday morning, after a long running day, Jim rests by sleeping in.
• Every Fifth week, after running and speaking for four weeks, Jim takes a week of rest.  He sleeps in, disconnects from social media, and tries to participate in activities he enjoys, like going for walks or reading books.

When was the last time you were able to rest?

Are you getting enough "restful moments" in your life?

A Friendly Suggestion: Grab your calendar and block out a morning, day, weekend OR week for a "restful moment. 

During this upcoming "REST WEEK" for Awake My Sole, we hope to spend some quality time discerning the NEXT STEPS of AMS...