Use Rest
On restorative practice, two books later
Two of my books — Move, Rest, Recover and Work IN — have birthdays this month and it’s got me thinking about rest (as per usual). I’ve taught restorative yoga and created entry points to rest for over 20 years. Resting is my job and yet I still forget how to rest all the time. It’s a practice, for all of us, forevermore.
I’ve spent some time this winter reviewing my work and inventorying the what, why, and how of recovery and the simple truth that rings like a bell is this —
Rest is a remembrance.
Every time we notice fatigue and respond, in the moment, with the gestures of care that are available we remember ourselves. Aha. Yes, there I am. When we slow down, breathe deeply, and pay attention we send a clear message to our nervous system that we are safe. We remember who were are beneath unpredictable, ever changing, and often incredibly challenging nature of life. Breathing steadies, the mind quiets down, and we reconnect to ourselves, our capacities, and our resilience amid the happenings of our busy days. Rest is how we recharge and fuel ourselves for all our goings, makings, and doings.
What does rest look like for you?
What do you remember when you rest?
If you’re not sure, that’s okay and you’re not alone. And now would be the moment to begin. Start now.
ICYMI, I’ve dropped a trio of new restorative videos into Your Weekly Reset library, each inspired by a favourite practice in Move, Rest, Recover. An embodied book club of sorts —
HBD
As my books are all about using recovery’s superpowers, I’m marking their birthdays by resting and inviting you to embrace your restorative practice, too. Use rest.
Published in 2019, Work IN: The Athlete’s Plan for Real Recovery and Winning Results, is now in its seventh year, while my latest creation Move, Rest, Recover: Your Practical Guide to Balancing Mind and Body has been out in the world for a year. Work IN frames up recovery for athletes and active people of all kinds, guiding readers to balance all their working out with working in. Move, Rest, Recover is a guide to restorative practice for all of us, translating solutions I’ve seen elite performers benefit from for over two decades into everyday practices for everyone. Mothers, creatives, doctors, office workers, dog walkers, my own children… these are practical, accessible tools that we can use to catch our breath in the moments when balance feels elusive and we truly need rest the most. Rest is ever timely fuel for whatever it is that needs doing.
Crucially, practicality is the connective tissue of the books because your practice needs to fit your real life, otherwise it won’t work!
Your rest
These restorative guides explain the science of rest in accessible terms, bust common myths and misinformation that make rest feel out of reach, prompt reflection to unpack and reframe our attitudes and behaviours around rest, and equip you with practical tips, tools, and practices to make rest yours.
Use them to become more receptive to rest, to activate real recovery, and to strengthen your ability to reset anytime. Practice and you will find that rest is the most readily available and yet underutilsed tool for well-being, and that you don’t have to wait any longer — you can rest in your unique ways, throughout your days, every day. Practice and feel the difference.
Your books
If you’d like a copy of Move, Rest, Recover to companion your practice you can purchase your signed edition directly from me (UK shipping only) including a complimentary month of Balance Practice and exclusive art notecard from the book, or order wherever you like to buy your books.
Already have your copy?
Please leave a review! Your feedback helps other readers find my books and benefit — share your notes on whatever channel you’ve bought your book, email hello@erintaylor.works, or drop a comment below. Thanks so much for your support, it means a lot.
Exclusive bonus content
As ever you can find additional Move, Rest, Recover resources and practices, BTS moments, and more right here on Balance Practice.
To you and your rest, well done. Thank you for your practice.