Sleeping Beauty’s Secret Weapon: How Rest Fuels Healing

You might remember me last week talking about the three main healing modalities (besides all the conventional medicine stuff, of course) I have been made aware are Rest, Food and Water. These are the ones I am focusing, making my self-care a priority.
Now, I have cancer. So my situation is a little specific.
And yet everything that you will read below… applies to you too. Because your body too needs the rest… and you don’t need to go through cancer to give it to yourself!

So please take time to read... and take time to rest!

If you haven’t, you can catch up here: https://isayabelle.com/the-wise-goddess-takes-up-cancer

Rest.
OMGoddess what a complicated story I have with rest.
I have talked, repeatedly about the importance of rest, the crucial part of our cyclic nature as women.
That necessary winter, retreat, the quarter of darkness in our day, month, year, life…

During our lunar cycles - both our own personal cycles and those of the cosmic lunar cycle - four distinct and powerful female energy Archetypes take their turn to emerge. The same happens throughout the solar year, with each season embodying one of the four energies. Each is a pattern of energy, a feminine behaviour, a model of womanhood.

These four energies, these four Archetypes they are the Energy of the Maiden, linked with the pre-ovulation phase, the waxing moon and the spring, the Energy of the Mother which is linked with the ovulation phase, the full moon and the summer, the Energy of the Enchantress, related with the post-ovulation phase, the fall and the waning moon. And finally, the Energy of the Crone, of the wise old woman which is linked with the bleeding phase, the dark moon and with winter, of course.

Again you can read more here: https://isayabelle.com/cyclic-women-meet-your-archetypes

And I "know" all about the importance of it.
And yet.

For most of my life, I’ve considered rest as a necessary evil, a mere waste of time.
There is a French song that goes:
"We have all of life to have fun,
We will have all of death to rest."
My motto.
I prided my self in believing I needed less sleep than regular people and thus I could accomplish more, have more free time, work more, do more, have more fun…
Now the Universe sent me a curve ball of cancer, intertwined with menopause finally hitting me in the ovaries (and heart!)…
And I feel in my body that these days are gone.
Y body craves rest
So I feel it is time to seriously review these beliefs.
And rest.
Learn about rest. Make friends with it.
And practice!!
Because this is about practice, not so much about knowledge (go to bed Maiden, your time has passed!)

So… REST…
Because, hold up, folks, because beyond just feeling cozy and catching up on Z's, rest is a bona fide superhero when it comes to healing, especially in the battle against cancer. Yes, you heard it right. That horizontal hibernation isn't just for lazy Sundays any more—it's a crucial player in the fight against the big C. So, grab your comfiest blanket and settle in as we explore why rest isn't just a luxury but a lifesaver.

Now… There are seven different types of rest: physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, sensory, and creative.
Oh Fuck.
You mean there is more to it than just sleeping?
Yep.
So.. let’s dive in and explore… Here's a brief rundown on the seven types of rest:

Physical Rest: This is the kind of rest we're most familiar with – kicking back, putting your feet up, and giving your body a break. It's essential for repairing muscles, replenishing energy, and preventing burnout. So, next time you feel like you've been hit by a truck, listen to your body and give it the rest it deserves.

Mental Rest: Ever feel like your brain's been running a marathon? That's where mental rest comes in. It's all about giving your mind a chance to recharge by stepping away from the mental gymnastics and letting your thoughts wander freely. Whether it's through meditation, mindfulness, or simply zoning out in front of the TV, mental rest is key for maintaining cognitive function and creativity.

Emotional Rest: Ah, emotional rest, the unsung hero of self-care. It's about creating space to process your feelings, set boundaries, and recharge your emotional batteries. Whether it's through journaling, therapy, or simply spending time with loved ones, emotional rest is crucial for maintaining mental well-being and resilience in the face of life's ups and downs.

Social Rest: As much as we love our friends and family, sometimes we just need a break from all the socializing. Social rest is about setting boundaries, saying no when you need to, and prioritizing quality over quantity in your relationships. It's not about isolating yourself; it's about creating space for meaningful connections that leave you feeling supported and rejuvenated.

Sensory Rest: In today's hyper-stimulated world, our senses are constantly bombarded with noise, light, and information. Sensory rest is about dialing down the sensory overload and giving your nervous system a chance to reset. Whether it's through spending time in nature, turning off your phone, or simply taking a long, hot bath, sensory rest is essential for reducing stress and improving sleep quality.

Creative Rest: If you've ever hit a creative block, you know just how frustrating it can be. Creative rest is all about stepping away from your work and giving your imagination a chance to breathe. Whether it's through taking a walk, listening to music, or exploring new hobbies, creative rest is essential for recharging your creative batteries and finding fresh inspiration.

Spiritual Rest: Last but certainly not least, we have spiritual rest. This isn't necessarily about religion; it's about finding meaning, purpose, and connection in your life. Whether it's through meditation, prayer, or simply spending time in nature, spiritual rest is essential for nourishing your soul and finding inner peace in a hectic world.

So, there you have it – the seven types of rest. Whether you're feeling physically exhausted, mentally drained, or emotionally spent, there's a type of rest out there for you (and maybe even more than one!). So, listen to your body, prioritize self-care, and remember: rest isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. You need that elusive state of bliss where you can finally hit the snooze button on life's relentless alarm clock.

Now, let's tackle the big question: why does rest matter so darn much? Well, picture this: your body is like a bustling construction site, with cells working overtime to repair damage, fight off invaders, and keep everything running smoothly. Now, imagine trying to build a skyscraper while simultaneously running a marathon. Sounds exhausting, right? That's basically what your body deals with when you don't give it enough rest. It's like asking your immune system to let go of cancer cells (or any other disease for that matter) while it's also trying to keep you awake through yet another episode of your favorite late-night show.

But wait, there's more! When you're catching some quality Z's, your body gets to kick its repair mechanisms into high gear. See, while you're off in dreamland, your cells are busy doing all sorts of ninja moves to keep you healthy. They're repairing damaged DNA, producing essential hormones, and even strengthening your immune system so it can go all Chuck Norris on those pesky cancer cells. It's like having a whole team of microscopic superheroes working round the clock to keep you in top shape.

Now, let's talk numbers, because who doesn't love a good dose of cold, hard facts? Studies have shown that getting enough rest can actually boost the effectiveness of cancer treatments. In one study, breast cancer patients who slept seven or more hours a night were found to have a higher survival rate compared to those who got less shut-eye. Seven hours of sleep: the ultimate power-up in the fight against cancer.

But it's not just about the quantity of sleep; quality matters too. Ever woken up feeling like you've been hit by a truck? Yeah, that's your body's way of telling you it needs some R&R. When you're sleep-deprived, your immune system takes a hit, leaving you more vulnerable to all sorts of nasties, including cancer. Plus, lack of sleep can mess with your hormones, throwing everything from your appetite to your mood out of whack. So, do yourself a favor and invest in a good mattress and arrange your bedroom in a way that fosters peace and sleep. Your body will thank you.

And let's not forget about stress, the silent killer lurking in the shadows of our busy lives. When you're constantly running on empty, your body goes into overdrive, pumping out stress hormones like there's no tomorrow. Not only does this wreak havoc on your immune system, but it can also fuel the growth of cancer cells. So, take a deep breath, put your feet up, and let all that stress melt away like ice cream on a hot summer day.

Of course, rest isn't just about hitting the hay as we have seen before; it's about giving your mind and body the TLC they deserve. Whether it's curling up with a good book, taking a leisurely stroll in the park, or indulging in some much-needed Netflix bingeing, find what helps you unwind and make it a priority. Your health depends on it.

In the end, rest isn't just a luxury reserved for lazy Sundays—it's a crucial weapon in your healing, whatever your ailment… even if you don’t have one!
So, the next time you feel guilty for hitting that snooze button or taking a midday nap, remember: you're not being lazy, you're giving your body the fuel it needs to heal. And hey, if anyone dares to judge you for prioritizing rest, just tell them it's doctor's orders… or Isaya’s!

So much for today ...
I would be so happy to hear from you about all that.
Thank you in advance for your comment.
See you soon, for my next online adventures!
Until then I send you love, light and gratitude.
Isaya


Now…
Maybe you feel like you want to support me?
I am OK for receiving any Reiki, Prayers, Light, Love, Hugs or any other healing modal sent with pure intentions and love.
As far as advice and "recipes" are concerned, please ask me before you download your knowledge, links or recommendations onto me.
Overwhelm is lurking already…

On a very practical way, because I’m going to be focusing on my healing, I will have less time for promotion… and less money coming in…
One way to help and support me is to actually buy something from me!
You can find some of my Goddess Connected programs here: https://isayabelle.com/the-magic-goddess-online-programs
And the info about my Sacred Retreat in Greece in September here: https://isayabelle.com/sacred-retreat-in-attica-greece

Please also bear in mind that I am reclaiming my journey and that my solutions and my path are mine and mine only. They are not intended to be a guide or a list of advice, a handbook or manual or any kind, least of all medical. This is just me sharing my journey.