The Gift of True Rest
Day 74: A day of letting go gives us all that we need
Yesterday was a true day of rest for me. I took a rare day off. I did not write, read, or do anything very “productive.” I did not plan my day to be this way, but I feel it was meant to be. The day beautifully progressed, as I let myself choose to do things that sounded good to me. It was a lesson in allowing life to unfold. I love the lessons that I learn each day on my 100-day spiritual journey. I am becoming a new person, full of light and love. That journey takes place even on a day of rest.
In the late morning yesterday, my husband, son, and I went on a lovely walk in a forest trail park and breathed in the fresh air. It was the first full day of air without smoke, so we all took in this adventure with delight. We wound around the trails, noting the giant golden maple leaves, falling on the ground. We encountered so many happy people, relishing being outside.
My husband took along his metal detector as there are small fields and creek banks to explore. Along the bank of the creek, we all listened as his metal detector beeped. What could it be? He took his small trowel and began to investigate. It turned out to be a little metal figurine. It was a copper-colored tiny statue of a goddess-like figure on top of a mighty dragon.
After we got home, we googled it and found out it is very special. It is Kuan Yin, a Chinese goddess of compassion and mercy. She protects your home. I feel that we were meant to find her. She was waiting there all along. What amazing synchronicity, to feel free and at rest, and then find a sign that tells you that the universe is there to protect and look out for you.
Guan Yin is also known as patron Bodhisattva of Putuo Shan (Mount Putuo), mistress of the Southern Sea, and patroness of fishermen. As such she is shown crossing the sea seated or standing on a lotus or on the head of a dragon. The dragon being an ancient symbol for high spirituality, wisdom, strength, and divine powers of transformation. — Nations Online.Org
What a beautiful symbol to find on my journey! This beautiful goddess full of strength and wisdom appeared to give us the power of transformation in our lives. It surprised and delighted all of us on our path yesterday. Every day during my meditation, I ask for a sign. I ask the universe to show me if I am on the right path. This sign was one of renewed faith. I love that it came when we least expected it.
The spent the rest of the afternoon lying on the sofa, watching a Spanish soap opera. It was so peaceful to just let go. I didn’t think of things I had to do, and there was no pressure to accomplish anything. Those moments are rare for me. I plan on resting more in the coming months. Giving myself the grace to slow down brings true light into my heart.
From now on, I plan on a monthly mini-sabbatical. It will be from three to five days of rest. During those days there will be no to-do lists and no formal work of any kind. I will just allow myself to do what feels right and what lights up my spirit. That is the true key to letting go.
My prayer and my intention for you is that you find some time to rest. Let go of obligations. Don’t pressure yourself to be productive. Truly letting go of everything is true rest.
How will you truly rest today and in the coming week?
I am tagging my fellow writers here who are following along on this journey so that I may share this path with them: Art Bram, Noma Dek, Bob Jasper, Tree Langdon, Rasheed Hooda, Michele Thill, Charlotte Zobeir Ali, Gurpreet Dhariwal, Aurora Eliam, CMP, Dr John Rose, Amy Marley, Taha Abbas, Henery X (long), Suntonu Bhadra, Nomanono Isaacs, Chowa Sekai, Terry Mansfield, Tony Young, Jr., KeepingitrealwithAnnick, Jessica Cote, Sumera Rizwan and many more! Thank you Illumination Family!
Trista Signe Ainsworth is a professional organizer with Joyful Minimalism. She helps working women clear the clutter, overwhelm, and shame from their homes and lives so that they can truly live in joy.
Sign up for my living in joy newsletter for weekly living in joy tips: Live in Joy.
Connect with Trista on LinkedIn, Twitter, or by email: [email protected].
More from Trista Ainsworth:
