Rest | Invest in Stillness Event
Hosted by Tatiana Cole, M.Ed., and presented by Free to Flourish LLC, Rest | Invest in Stillness was a transformative gathering centered on the many dimensions of rest. The event opened with Samantha Aldridge, LCSW, from River of Wellness LLC, guiding the group through the seven pillars of rest: physical, mental, emotional, sensory, creative, social, and spiritual. Through engaging examples like breathwork, silence, dancing, and boundary-setting (including the simple yet powerful act of using “Do Not Disturb” on our phones), women came together to validate each other’s need for and right to rest. Laughter and joy filled the space, enhanced by the soulful background music of the talented Dee Davis.
Following this, Angelica Lopez, founder of Mitra Healing, led a restorative yoga session, allowing participants to embrace their bodies and movements with compassion. As the group meditated in their poses, Dee Davis’ powerful and heartfelt song transported everyone even deeper into their bodies, reinforcing the theme of stillness and self-connection.
The journey continued with a reflective journaling session facilitated by Mydalis Vera, MFA, and owner of Guerrera Writer. Thought-provoking prompts encouraged participants to explore their inner quiet, its texture, its presence, and the messages it might hold. In response, women poured their reflections into poetic expressions: touching on themes of relaxation, body consciousness, and transformation.
The event flowed seamlessly into a nourishing lunch, a time for connection and continued reflection. Tatiana Cole, the heart behind this phenomenal experience, held space for all, ensuring that each participant left with a renewed understanding of rest, not just as a luxury, but as a necessity.
The afternoon ended with the spiritual side of resting in God. San-shieka Clark of the B.E.A.U.T.Y Brunch (Being Evolved As Unity Transforms You) took us on a journey of open ended statements to help us explore our faith. It was a moment of community and testimony on our walk with God or other higher being. It was the realization that we all can experience the peace of God daily if we take the time to be in his presence.
All attendees received with their very own Rest journal to continue the reflection of what Rest looks like to them as well as a tool to help us take 10min of time to invest in ourselves.
As we stepped away from this sacred gathering, one truth remained clear: "Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." – Anne Lamott.
Written by: Mydalis Vera & Tatiana Cole
