The 7 Types of Rest, Part 7: Spiritual Rest with Online Therapy Maryland

How do we make sense of our place in the wider world?  

We made it—the final installment in the 7 Types of Rest blog series! Whew! Are we more well-rested now? Speaking for myself, well, that’s complicated. Thinking, writing and talking about all these different ways of resting over the last several months has kept this topic at the front of my mind more and I am more frequently catching myself and checking in about what kind of rest I need at the moment. At the same time, the world has just chucked a whole lot of gasoline on the fires I was attempting to put out, so I’m not entirely sure I’m coming out ahead at the moment. But I can say that I am glad that I had already been putting increased rest measures in place before the stress dial got cranked up to 11. Before we get to takeaways and wrap ups though, we have one last type of rest to explore—spiritual rest. Creative rest was saved for the penultimate post because I really wanted to lean in and do as much of that one as possible. I will admit that spiritual rest got saved for last because it took me a while to connect in on this one. The whole point of this blog series was that I was actually working on these types of rest myself, not just understanding the concept of what they mean.

As defined by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, spiritual rest is the sense of renewal we gain when we connect to something greater than ourselves, whether through faith, community, or a sense of purpose. If you’re in Maryland and searching for ways to restore your inner peace, online therapy might be the perfect place to start. But, first….

Understanding the idea of spiritual rest

Being part of something greater than ourselves can be found in nature, community & more. 

Spiritual rest goes beyond physical and mental rejuvenation. It’s about finding meaning, aligning with your values, and feeling connected to the world around you. When spiritual rest is lacking, you may experience a sense of emptiness, disconnection, or even existential fatigue. Replenishing this type of rest allows you to feel grounded, purposeful, and at peace.

An important thing to note is that spiritual rest does not have to mean religious. Many people find spiritual rest and growth in faith communities of all kinds, but this is far from the only path up the mountain. Some people find their way in this part of life in religion, but others find it in philosophy, nature, art, service or community. Being able to find your place of belonging in the big picture of life can help when the sorrows are too hard to carry alone or when the delights are too few by only counting up your own. It’s good to have a place to lay our burdens down and to gather up more comfort and joy, when needed. Being in connection with that part of life, wherever you find it, is a worthwhile and sustaining spiritual life.

One of my favorite depictions of what I think of as spiritual rest comes from the animated movie, Soul. If you haven’t seen it yet, please give it a watch—it’s fantastic for so many reasons. Not to give too much away, but there’s this part in which a bunch of characters are in a bit of a different plane of existence—one that is shared with all other people that are truly in the zone of connecting with themselves and the world through whatever activities bring them this connection. Some are playing music, others are praying or meditating, some are engaged in physical activities—they are all doing things that bring them a sense of purpose, meaning and connection, and they are all different.

So, as we contemplate this idea of spiritual rest, I invite you to take a wide lens view of the concept. Who knows what it might look like for you?

Wonder, beauty and awe can be crucial parts of spiritual rest.

Signs You might need spiritual rest

It’s not always easy to recognize when you need spiritual rest. Here are some common signs:

• A persistent feeling of emptiness or lack of direction

• Struggles with motivation, even for activities you once enjoyed

• A sense of disconnection from your community, faith, or core values

• Increased stress, anxiety, or feelings of being overwhelmed

If these resonate with you, seeking support through online therapy in Maryland can help you explore and address these feelings.

the role of connection in spiritual rest

At the heart of spiritual rest is connection—to yourself, to others, and to a higher purpose. For some, this might mean reconnecting with their faith or spiritual practices, or exploring new ones that best align with your current thinking and understanding. For others, it could involve rediscovering personal values or engaging in meaningful relationships. Therapy can also be a powerful tool to help you identify and cultivate these connections.

How online therapy in Maryland supports spiritual rest

Therapy offers a convenient and accessible way to prioritize your spiritual well-being. Here are a few ways it can help:

• Exploring Your Values: A therapist can guide you in identifying what truly matters to you and how to align your life with these values. When our behaviors and actions are out of alignment with our values, most of us feel off-kilter. Being able to know what your values are can help us see what in your life is lining up and what isn’t.

• Processing Emotions: Therapy provides a safe space to explore feelings of disconnection, grief, or existential stress. It can sometimes feel hard to do with with folks in your life that are going through their own challenges. Having some time with someone that is dedicated to just what’s going on with you in the moment and give you space to bring these things up.

• Building Practices for Renewal: Your therapist can help you develop mindfulness, gratitude, or spiritual practices tailored to your unique needs. There’s a path for everyone and it’s totally ok if yours looks different than anyone else’s path. There are options for everyone.

Practices to foster spiritual rest at home

In addition to therapy, there are several practices you can incorporate into your daily life to nurture spiritual rest:

1. Reflective Journaling

Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on what gives your life meaning and purpose. Journaling can help you clarify your values and track your journey toward spiritual renewal. You don’t have to write in complete sentences or have it sound polished. This is just for you and can be anything you want. You can use doodles and drawings or other visual ways of journaling instead of, or in addition to, written words.

2. Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness or meditation can ground you in the present moment and foster a deeper sense of connection. There are lots of free apps and online resources to get started. There are also great, free talks available about applying mindfulness and meditation in life. My personal favorite resource for this is dharmaseed.org

3. Acts of Service

Giving back to others through volunteer work or simple acts of kindness can reignite a sense of purpose and community. There are endless ways to lend a helping hand, through formal service opportunities or informal investments to help out whenever you see a need you are able to fill. Wherever you look, there is someone that can benefit from some help. See where you can fit into that puzzle in your family, neighborhood or community. And it’s ok and pick and choose what you feel able to do. Maybe you’re not the babysitting type but you’d be more than happy to feed your friend’s cat for a weekend. Let what you are willing and able to do be enough.

4. Engaging in Worship or Nature or Beauty

Whether through attending a religious service or spending time in nature, art or other things you find deeply beautiful, connecting with something greater than yourself can be profoundly restorative.

Addressing common barriers to spiritual rest

Many people face obstacles when seeking spiritual rest. You might feel:

• Guilt about taking time for yourself: Remember, rest is not selfish; it’s necessary for your well-being.

• Uncertainty about where to start: A therapist can help you identify practical steps tailored to your unique journey.

• Pressure to prioritize other responsibilities: Online therapy in Maryland allows you to fit sessions into your busy schedule, making self-care more accessible.

Real-life benefits of spiritual rest

When you prioritize spiritual rest, you may notice:

• Improved emotional resilience

• Greater clarity in decision-making

• A renewed sense of purpose and direction

• Enhanced relationships and a stronger sense of community

Begin your journey towards spiritual rest today

Restoring your sense of peace and purpose doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. With the help of online therapy in Maryland, you can explore what spiritual rest means for you and how to cultivate it in your daily life. Whether you’re seeking guidance on aligning with your values, processing challenging emotions, or building practices that nurture your soul, therapy offers the support you need.

Start your journey with a free consultation For ONline Therapy in Maryland

If you are looking for support on this topic or anything else related to your mental health, please reach out. I see folks for therapy in College Park, MD and offer online therapy in Maryland. You can explore more information about my services throughout the website. Feel free to contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation.