The Courage to Rest

Merriest Christmas to all who celebrate! Today we're diving into a topic that feels as elusive as it is necessary, especially in the holiday season - rest. My guest, Eileen March, is a former registered midwife turned intuitive coach and slow living advocate. She joins me for a hearty discussion about what it takes to embrace rest in a world that seems to revolve around the hustle. Kick back, put your feet up, and enjoy!

From Midwifery to Magic

Eileen's journey from midwifery burnout to embracing the slower, magical side of life is nothing short of inspiring. As she transitioned from empowering women in the birthing room to coaching them on intuitive living, Eileen found herself championing the age-old wisdom of rest and rejuvenation. For her, discovering the courage to rest was less about relinquishing responsibilities and more about reclaiming a birthright—a sentiment that resonates deeply in our fast-paced society.

Too often, rest is viewed as a luxury, a reward to be earned after a long stretch of productivity. But Eileen is here to challenge this notion, linking it to deeply ingrained cultural narratives around productivity and self-worth. “Rest is not a badge to be earned; it's a vital part of our being,” - drawing parallels to the natural cycles of the earth that call for periods of dormancy.

Dismantling the "Good Girl Syndrome"

Our conversation led us to tackle the pervasive 'Good Girl Syndrome,' a deeply rooted belief system that teaches women to prioritize others' needs above their own, often at the cost of their well-being. In embracing this self-sacrificing narrative, many of us find rest difficult to justify. Eileen advocates for breaking this cycle, emphasizing the need to bring awareness to these internalized stories and challenge them head-on. Once we start unpacking this further, we'll find that a lot of these thought patterns are deeply rooted in capitalism and patriarchy - not a reflection of our true morals and values.

Practical Tips for Embracing Rest

If you're feeling the call to slow down, Eileen offers this practical advice:

1. Schedule It In: Treat rest as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself. Whether it's a five-minute breathing session or a mid-day nap, intentionally carving out time can make all the difference.

2. Embrace Micro Moments: Look for small opportunities throughout your day to pause and tune into the present moment - whether that's savouring the aroma of your coffee or enjoying a few breaths of fresh air.

3. Engage Your Circle: Communication is key. Let your family or partner know you’re prioritizing rest and seek their support in holding space for this practice.

4. Tune Into Nature: Recognize and honour the natural cycles of your body and the world around you. Allow the seasons or phases of the moon to inspire and guide your rest.

Finding Community in Rest

Eileen’s work extends beyond one-on-one coaching; it’s about building a community of support, offering group programs and seasonal ceremonies that encourage women to connect and rest collectively. The power of shared experiences and communal rest is transformative, reinforcing the idea that we are not alone on this journey.

Our discussion with Eileen reveals that finding the courage to rest is an ongoing process, one that requires both self-awareness and community support. Her upcoming book, "The Courage to Rest," promises to further explore these themes, offering a blend of practical wisdom and personal narrative to guide others on their rest journey, so be sure to keep an eye out for it!

Remember, rest isn’t just about recharging to be more productive; it’s about nurturing yourself for the joy of being. Let's embrace it together—one restful moment at a time.

To stay updated with Eileen’s work or to explore her coaching offerings,be sure to check-out her website, www.myluminouslife.ca, or her Instagram. For further reading, consider these recommendations from Eileen!

• Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price
• Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey

Until next time, be kind to yourself and maybe, just maybe, take a little rest.