Rest is the ‘soul food’ of self and community care

The spiritual practice of rest is often neglected

by Shanea D. Leonard | Presbyterians Today

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Dr. Thema Bryant, a clinical psychologist and a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, is quoted as saying: “Rest is revolutionary. Self-care and community care are soul food. Dancing and singing amid everything that pulls you to disconnect from yourself is radical.”

It is because of this quote and my own understanding of what it truly means to live life more abundantly that I want to call our attention to the often-neglected spiritual practice of rest. And I don’t mean that in the sense of taking a nap and going right back to working. I mean rest in the total sense of ceasing from work for the purpose of restoration, rejuvenation and replenishment. I mean rest as the revolutionary act of not falling victim to white supremacy culture, which pushes us to constantly be producing more, bigger and better. I mean rest that says my preservation of my own body, humanity and dignity matters more than my need to generate an email or a sermon.

In a culture that is still trying to decolonize from the need to constantly produce as evidence of our vitality and worth, the act of time out is an unfathomable concept. However, the reality is our bodies, minds and souls deeply desire time to be restored. There are several passages in the Bible of Jesus removing himself from the weight of his ministry to restore his own temple. Jesus clearly shows us that there is a divine presence even in our stopping and doing nothing.

The Rev. Shanea D. Leonard

In the life of many faith leaders, particularly those who serve underrepresented populations, the pandemic, racism, and the overarching ebbs and flows of life in ministry have taken their toll in these past three years. This is compounded when you must navigate your own situations on top of shepherding others. Nevertheless, living into the call to care, be present and lead is a reminder that we are not called to be saviors of humanity. Last I checked, Jesus handled that.

As you go about your daily schedules, I challenge you to make sure you are taking time out for your own restoration. Schedule downtime. Revel in doing absolutely nothing. It is key to your preservation. It is holy. It is divine. And it is needed. Work will still be there waiting for you. Life will keep “life-ing.” But you will not be around to experience any of it if you don’t rest.

The Rev. Shanea D. Leonard is the director of Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries for the Presbyterian Mission Agency.