Rhythms of Rest: Season Update
Photo by Nikola Tasic on Unsplash
If you have noticed a quietness in this space over the last few months, that has been intentional. Following the rhythms of grace I often reflect on here, I am currently in the middle of an extended summer break. This is a dedicated season of Sabbath rest, a time for slowing down, stepping away from regular routines, and spending intentional, unhurried time with my family.
I am still very much in the process of resting and have not fully crossed the finish line into feeling completely refreshed just yet. I still have another month of this break ahead of me. Choosing to take an extended pause like this is an act of trust. I am leaning into the quiet space, knowing that allowing the soil to lie fallow now is exactly what will allow me to return with a spacious heart, ready to be fully present to you and your spiritual journeys when the break concludes.
Spiritual Direction Supervision
Even before this restful season began, a meaningful milestone took place. This past May, I completed my advanced certification to supervise spiritual directors through Together in the Mystery.
This advanced certificate expands my ministry offerings, allowing me to walk alongside fellow spiritual directors as they tend to their own practices and directees. If you are a spiritual director seeking a sacred, professional space for supervision, you can learn more about how we can work together on my Supervision for Spiritual Directors page.
Fall and Winter Scheduling
Looking ahead to my return to this holy work, my Calendly scheduler is now officially open for both in-person and virtual spiritual direction sessions running from August 17 through the end of December 2026.
Because consistency supports the soul's rhythm, many directees prefer holding a regular time and day each month. If that resonates with you, please feel free to go ahead and book out your sessions (by clicking the Schedule a Session button) through December to secure your preferred rhythm.
Upcoming Events
Space for Reflection: An Upcoming Silent Retreat
Finally, I want to put a special date on your radar. I will be directing a silent retreat at St. Joseph's in Kentucky from December 10–13, 2026.
If you notice the date and feel a tug to experience an extended period of silence, or if you simply feel the desire to get away and rest in God's presence later this year, I invite you to consider it. You can learn more about what a silent retreat looks like and see the details by visiting my Silent Retreats page.
Quotes to Ponder
As you navigate your own rhythms of work and rest this month, I leave you with this poem for your personal reflection: For One Who Is Exhausted, a Blessing by John O’Donohue (from To Bless the Space Between Us). May its words grant you permission to lay down your burdens and allow your soul the space it needs to catch up to your body.
When the rhythm of the heart becomes hectic,
Time takes on the strain until it breaks;
Then all the unattended stress falls in
On the mind like an endless, increasing weight.
The light in the mind becomes dim.
Things you could take in your stride before
Now become laborsome events of will.
Weariness invades your spirit.
Gravity begins falling inside you,
Dragging down every bone.
The tide you never valued has gone out.
And you are marooned on unsure ground.
Something within you has closed down;
And you cannot push yourself back to life.
You have been forced to enter empty time.
The desire that drove you has relinquished.
There is nothing else to do now but rest
And patiently learn to receive the self
You have forsaken in the race of days.
At first your thinking will darken
And sadness take over like listless weather.
The flow of unwept tears will frighten you.
You have traveled too fast over false ground;
Now your soul has come to take you back.
Take refuge in your senses, open up
To all the small miracles you rushed through.
Become inclined to watch the way of rain
When it falls slow and free.
Imitate the habit of twilight,
Taking time to open the well of color
That fostered the brightness of day.
Draw alongside the silence of stone
Until its calmness can claim you.
Be excessively gentle with yourself.
Stay clear of those vexed in spirit.
Learn to linger around someone of ease
Who feels they have all the time in the world.
Gradually, you will return to yourself,
Having learned a new respect for your heart
And the joy that dwells far within slow time.
Resources
If you enjoyed the above poem, then you might like the following book by John O’Donohue called To Bless the Space Between Us
I look forward to stepping back into our shared work in August, refreshed and ready to journey together again.
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