Soul Rest: The Deep Rest Your Heart Has Been Craving
In our modern world, the word “rest” is often equated with sleep, a quick nap, or maybe taking a weekend off. But if you’ve ever found yourself feeling deeply exhausted even after a full night’s sleep, you’re not alone. There’s a different kind of rest most of us are missing. It goes beyond the body and touches the deepest parts of us. This is what I call soul rest.
What is Soul Rest?
Soul rest is not about catching up on sleep or escaping to a spa (though both have their place). It’s about finding a quiet inner space where you feel deeply safe, accepted, and whole. It’s about setting down the constant need to perform, to achieve, and to prove your worth. It’s a return to your truest self, the self that exists beyond titles, tasks, and timelines.
Think of it as the feeling of sitting quietly in a forest, listening to birdsong without needing to capture it or share it. The gentle stillness you feel while watching the ocean waves roll in and out. That moment when you take a deep breath and realize you don’t have to be anyone other than who you already are.
Why Do We Need Soul Rest?
From a biological perspective, our nervous systems are not designed to be in a constant state of stimulation. The “always on” culture we live in keeps us stuck in sympathetic dominance. This is the fight, flight, or freeze response, which floods us with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
Research shows that chronic stress can lead to anxiety, depression, immune dysfunction, and a host of physical ailments (McEwen, 2006). Even more subtly, it can disconnect us from joy, dampen creativity, and make life feel flat or overwhelming.
Soul rest offers a way to downshift into parasympathetic activity. This is our body’s “rest and digest” mode, where healing, emotional integration, and true replenishment happen. It’s not just restful for the mind; it’s deeply restorative for the entire system.
Signs You Need Soul Rest
You feel drained even when you’ve technically “rested.”
You can’t remember the last time you felt true joy or wonder.
You move through your days on autopilot, disconnected from yourself.
You feel like you’re performing your life rather than living it.
Even in moments of quiet, your mind races with to-dos and worries.
How to Invite Soul Rest Into Your Life
🌱 Spend time in nature without a goal.
Forget step counts, photos, or productivity. Let the sights, sounds, and smells wash over you. Just be.
☕️ Create micro-moments of stillness.
Even a few breaths with your hand on your heart, a quiet cup of tea, or a slow gaze at the sunset can shift your state.
🪶 Let go of the “shoulds.”
Notice the inner pressure to be “productive” even during rest. Can you soften it? Can you remind yourself that your worth is not tied to your output?
🎨 Engage in gentle, nourishing activities.
Art, music, journaling, or simply sitting in silence are wonderful choices. Choose activities that feel soul-nourishing rather than performance-driven.
🌸 Embrace slowness.
Nature doesn’t rush. Trees don’t force their blossoms open. Allow yourself to move at a pace that honors your body and spirit.
How Will You Know It’s Working?
When you begin to experience soul rest, you might notice:
A subtle sense of relief, like taking off a heavy backpack you didn’t realize you were carrying.
More spontaneous moments of joy or gratitude.
Feeling more grounded and centered, even when life around you is busy.
A softer relationship with yourself, with less inner criticism and more kindness.
Soul Rest Is Not a Luxury
Our culture often treats deep rest as a reward we earn after we’ve “done enough.” But soul rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s what allows us to show up fully in our lives, connect deeply with others, and feel alive in the truest sense.
It’s not about escaping your life. It’s about returning to it with renewed presence, intention, and warmth.
An Invitation
If you feel that longing for a softer, quieter space inside yourself, listen. Your soul is wise.
Ask yourself: Where can I create more space to just be? Where can I offer myself true rest, beyond the physical?
I invite you to experiment this week. Find one small way to pause. One moment to breathe. One act of kindness toward your own heart.
And if you’d like support in rediscovering your natural rhythm and weaving soul rest into your daily life, I’d love to guide you. I’d love to hear: What does soul rest mean to you? Email me or DM me on Instagram and share your thoughts.
With roots and realness,
Karin
References
McEwen, B. S. (2006). Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators: central role of the brain. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 8(4), 367–381.
Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421.
Li, Q. (2019). Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness. Viking.
