Community Chat 💬 | Finding Joy in Rest

Photo by Drew Coffman on Unsplash

Hi friends & sweaties,

Rest doesn’t come naturally to me. It feels like something I have to fight for, even when I know it’s what my body and mind need most. But I’ve been learning. Practicing niksen, the Dutch art of doing nothing, has taught me that rest is the best way to be present. Some of my favourite moments include noticing how the air feels on my skin, or the weight of a mug of tea in my hands.

I find joy in rest most often during my long-meandering walks. When I’m not in recovery, I amble home acupuncture, taking time to greet the flora and fauna along the way. There’s something grounding about saying hello to the same trees and plants, watching how they change with the seasons. It even happens when walking my dogs. I love watching Mayo, my pug, sniffs everything like its brand new, while Kaia, my senior mini Aussie, takes her time, reminding me that there’s no rush.

Photo by Mitchell Orr on Unsplash

Some of my favorite moments of rest have come with friends during my surgery recovery. They’ve joined me for slow, gentle dog walks, the kind where you move at a pace that feels kind to your body. We talk softly, or not at all, just existing together in the shared rhythm of recovery and companionship. It’s a reminder that rest doesn’t always mean being alone—it can also be about connecting in ways that don’t demand more than you can give.

What about you?

How do you rest when the world feels too overwhelming? Do you have rituals, or does it happen in unexpected moments? Let’s talk about what rest looks like for each of us—and maybe discover new ways to lean into it. Feel free to respond to my email, or write a comment below!

Always a pleasure to share space with you

Love & solidarity,

C x