Sangha of Auspicious Companions

The Art and Science of Rest

Rest is more than a pause from activity; it’s a necessary shift that lets you fully recharge. Imagine rest not as a luxury but as a vital part of life’s rhythm. “Rest is where integration happens,” explains Patty Freedman, highlighting how downtime enables our brains to process emotions and ideas. She outlines seven types of rest — physical, emotional, creative, sensory, mental, social, and spiritual — each of which serves a unique function in rejuvenating us. Whether it’s stretching, doodling, or simply closing our eyes, genuine rest comes when we stop chasing and simply arrive in the present. Recognizing when and how to invite these moments into our lives can transform how we function day-to-day.

Be The Change

Today, choose one type of rest practice—perhaps indulge in a moment of “sensory rest” by turning off digital notifications and relaxing in nature.