When we think of rest, we often see it as a way to pause or recharge, but rest is so much more than that. Just like the cycles of nature, rest is a vital part of our personal transformation. It allows us to recalibrate by allowing our energy to rotate and shift, creating space for growth and renewal. In yoga, the balance between rest and action is essential for both physical and mental well-being.
Rest is not about "switching off”, it is an active process of realigning.
Through breathwork, meditation and restorative poses, we give the body and mind space to reset, reflect and release while preparing for the next phase of movement. This cycle of effort and ease creates more awareness and balance in our practice and daily lives, allowing energy to harmonise.
Rest isn’t just about stillness in movement - it is also crucial in energy work. For example, in Kundalini yoga, energy rises through the chakras, fuelling transformation. But for this energy to rise in balance, periods of rest are necessary. Without rest, energy can become overwhelming or misaligned, creating physical or emotional imbalances. Taking time to rest allows for deeper integration, opening the door to transformation in a more balanced way.
So can REST truly be the gateway to transformation?
In the most simple words, YES, it can. When we rest intentionally, we open ourselves to transformation. Stillness helps us tune into subtle shifts in our energy, providing clarity on what no longer serves us and what we're ready to embrace. As Lao Tzu wisely said, "To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders." By embracing rest as an active practice, we create a powerful tool for healing, clarity and renewal.
Here are a few simple ways to rest, rebalance and allow your energy to rotate towards transformation:
1. Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep):
This guided meditation practice allows you to rest deeply while mentally and emotionally recalibrating.
2. Breathwork (Pranayama):
Practices like alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana), help balance the body’s energy, recalibrate the nervous system, and promote calm.
3. Restorative Yoga Poses:
Poses such as child’s pose or legs-up-the-wall ground your energy, allowing deep rest and supporting physical and mental balance.
4. Mindful Reflection:
Journaling or meditating on what the past year has brought and what you’re ready to release helps to shift stagnant energy and prepares you for new growth.
5. Slow and Mindful Nature Walks:
Instead of focusing on steps or cardio, take a slow, mindful stroll through nature. Allow yourself to wander without purpose, soaking in the sights and sounds around you for a restorative experience.
6. Sound Healing / Calming Music:
Listening to calming music (like this album HERE), or sound healing, can enhance relaxation and facilitate a deeper connection with your inner self.
As the year comes to a close, it's important to remember that rest and action are interconnected parts of the same cycle. By honouring these natural rhythms, we can rotate between effort and ease, preparing ourselves for transformation. So, during this season, give yourself permission to rest and trust that this stillness will guide you toward growth and clarity in the near future.
At Soul Sanctuary, we see rest as a vital catalyst for transformation rather than a mere pause. Our approach in the membership invites you to embrace stillness as part of your personal journey, promoting reflection and renewal through hundreds of mindful practices.
See our top six suggested practices that will help nurture your mind, body and spirit, allowing energy to flow and shift.
You can explore hundreds of mindful practices, (and more), by referencing our suggested calendar below. Our suggested calendar has been carefully curated to give you the option to practise flows from the Soul Sanctuary back catalogue that will help you to connect and awaken your divine shakti energy.
This month's upcoming flows are in colour and our flows from the back catalogue are in black:
