N.E.W. S.T.A.R.T. –Rest

As I am relaxing on my screen porch overlooking the calm waters of Sabbatical Lake, listening to the gentle sounds of nature, I think to myself, “what a perfect setting to write an article that promotes the benefits of rest.”

There is rest that benefits the body, there is rest that benefits the mind, and there is rest that benefits the soul. Everyone who desires to achieve well-being should make it a priority to obtain rest in all of these areas.

After a day of activity the body needs rest in the form of sleep. It is during these hours that growth takes place in children. It is during these hours that muscles we stimulate through exercise repair and build.

It is during the hours of sleep that the body seeks to detox and purify itself, making it less susceptible to illness, and more resistant to disease. Lack of this type of rest weakens the immune system, and opens the door for many intruders to compromise our health.

Lack of sleep will not only have detrimental effects upon the the body, but will also makes us irritable and emotionally volatile. However the mind needs more than the rest we obtain from sleep. The mind is under unceasing stimulating activity from processing all the data we receive through our senses.

That being the case, the mind needs time to simply be calm, to rest upon thoughts that facilitate peace, such as the environment of green grass and tranquil waters I see in front me as I pen these words. The beautiful scenes of nature were designed to inspire the mind with appreciation and happiness.

The graceful birds, birds that glide and zip through the air, the vegetation and colorful flowers that decorate the living canvas speak stillness into the mind, and prepare us to receive rest for our souls.

He that designed the body to sleep at night for rejuvenation, is he that designed the serene places of nature to reinvigorate the mind. That same Designer is also He that said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

We need rest from the guilt, regrets, disappointed hopes, and unforgiveness that burdens us. The load of these cares are not meant for us to carry through life because they depress the soul. Understanding the love that exists in the heart of God for each one of us individually is the only true remedy for all the “unrest” that exists throughout society.

Rest is an important principle in the NEW START acronym because it allows the body time to redirect its energies to utilizing the benefits of the Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunlight, Temperance, and Air in the upbuilding of all the systems of our being. There is one more letter in our NEW START acronym to explore in our next article, and you can “Rest” assured we have saved the best for last.