Recipe for Rest

Elizabeth M. Ibarra

During week One of the Story Incubator with Sierra Melcher of Red Thread Publishing; I delved deeply into the importance of rest. I learned about what rest means to me as an artist and writer. I looked deeply at how to use the New Moon phase as a time of reflection, self-discovery and rest. Sierra expertly discussed all the important nuances of the powerful New Moon energy, its influence on us as women and how to use this Moon phase to our advantage by being in the space of truly accepting the deep need to slow down and rest; preparing ourselves for the writing to come when the Moon cycles change to a more productive influence.

One concept which truly stuck with me after spending a week of observing my rhythm of rest during the phase of the New Moon was the idea of creating my personal recipe for rest. This is a way to focus on each important part of the act of resting. It is an intimate exercise; one which only I could concoct, simmer in my psyche and write to use as a guide for future New Moon phases.

These are my ingredients for rest. I formulated all the aspects of this delectable, satisfying psychological and physiological recipe during the days which followed the first Story Incubator Class. I share them with you as inspiration for you to consider while learning these powerful lessons directly from Sierra; who offers the prompts and questions to really get you in tune with your inner nature. Here is some powerful food for thought.

I conceptually understood the need for rest while approaching the week ahead. I was raised with the concept of “be, do, have”. Resting is the ultimate act of “being”; being fully present in the moment, allowing oneself to reflect, to go inward and make discoveries before taking action. This particular New Moon brought up a lot of different feelings and emotions. It was by no means calming for me personally; as if there were a pull to be active and to experience everything with deep emotional fluctuations. Astrological aspects certainly had an influence on those feelings as well. I scheduled rest into my daily routine. It was also interesting to note that resting also occurred at unplanned times as well and were not what many would typically consider to be restful.  

I began my days by planning out daily strategies and writing Morning Pages (this therapeutic process is also discussed in Week One). Physical exercise is something which is highly restful for me; as it burns off fiery emotions and the endorphins released make me feel more centered, calm and relaxed. During weekdays, I thoroughly enjoy making and eating organic fruity lunch smoothies packed with nutritional protein powder and spinach. These cool me down and elevate my mood. My husband and three-year-old son also enjoy them. It is bonding time for us as a family. Lunch smoothies are also part of detoxing and cleansing during the New Moon; something which Sierra suggests as a practice while resting. Being in the moment of sharing fun activities and playtime with our son is a way for me to disengage from distracting cerebral chatter. Watching movies/series curled up in a soft blanket on the couch is so soothing for me; literal rest. Going for day trips in the car with my husband and son to be out in nature or at the beach is highly restful and deeply satisfying. While on the way there and back again, my husband and I listen to music and talk; bonding deeply. The ocean is such a profound part of my soul. It soothes my restless free-spirit. Chocolate is a salve for my anxiety, stress and fiery temperament. I let it melt in my mouth and savor it slowly. Sierra emphasizes this; enjoy your food and any delicious treats made as slowly as possible to delight in the moment and to allow all of your senses to be part of the experience of savouring the deliciousness (no need to tell me twice). Creating art for the joy of it (without the pressure of producing for my businesses) is so very restful for me. When I paint, bead or write, I am able to focus on details and allow my mind to calm to a state which is almost meditative. Singing and listening to music are ways for me to be in the moment by enjoying how the melodies and rhythms make me feel; dancing when inspired to.

These are just a few of the many ingredients of my recipe for rest. What, I wonder are some of yours? Sierra will teach you several valuable mindsets and practices for embracing the power of rest and the New Moon in Week One of the Story Incubator. She will help you get in touch with your inner process and allow you to make your own valuable discoveries while you prepare yourself for writing your story; your book.