Two chairs rest side by side, just feet from the creek’s edge, where a crisp autumn current tumbles over smooth stones, swirling with fallen leaves in hues of amber, russet, and gold.

The air is cool, softened by the late afternoon sunlight that dapples through thinning branches above, casting shifting patterns on the ground.

A mug of tea, cooling in hand, balances perfectly as two friends sink back, absorbed in the gentle rhythm of their surroundings.

Their conversation drifts between shared memories and quiet reflections, punctuated by comfortable silences, as the moments stretch and fold into each other.

Sometimes, one leans forward to watch a particularly vibrant leaf bob along the water’s path; other times, they both lean back, eyes half-closed, savoring the tranquility.

The hours slip by unnoticed, woven together by the sound of the creek and the warmth of easy companionship.

Peace, joy, connection, warmth, healing, and calm…

Sounds incredible, doesn’t it?

Yet, many of us do not prioritize moments like these. Why?

Barriers To Relaxation

You may or may not be surprised to know that many people experience one or more of the following:

• Conditioned Hypervigilance: Those who have faced trauma or constant stress often become used to a fight-or-flight state. Shifting into relaxation can feel weird or unsafe, as their system has adapted to believe hypervigilance is necessary for survival.

• Fear of Vulnerability: Relaxing and letting go promotes openness, which may feel vulnerable for people used to self-protecting. Relaxation means letting down one’s guard, which can feel risky.

• Patterned Avoidance of Stillness: Many are conditioned to stay busy, avoiding inner stillness where uncomfortable emotions might arise. Relaxing and connecting inwardly might bring up repressed feelings or memories they’ve learned to avoid.

• Self-Worth Struggles: Those who feel unworthy of rest, ease, or enjoyment may resist relaxation. They may believe they must “earn” relaxation or that they don’t deserve to feel good, especially if they carry internalized shame or guilt.

• Unconscious Control Habits: Some feel staying “on guard” is essential to maintaining control over their lives or relationships, making relaxation feel like a loss of control.

Little Talk With My Ego

It’s easy to understand why relaxing might feel challenging. But here’s the truth: You deserve connection, rest, and joy even if it scares you right now. I, personally, get this one.

Not only have I been unconsciously afraid of rest, but I’ve also felt offended when someone suggests that I take a break. I would think to myself, "That person doesn’t want me to succeed! That’s why they’re telling me to slow down." In reality, though, I was afraid that if I wasn’t constantly on the move, I would fail.

I had to literally talk myself into the importance of rest. It was a fascinating conversation with my ego:

Me: You know, ego, rest helps you function more powerfully when you are working.

Ego: Yeah, right, likely story. Sounds like you’ve drunk the slacker Kool-Aid.

Me: No, really. Think about it. When you’re rested, you’re sharper, more creative, and can get more done in less time.

Ego: Uh-huh. And what about ambition? You can’t just be lounging around and expect success to come knocking. Resting is for people who aren’t driven enough.

Me: Actually, rest fuels ambition. If you burn out, you can’t achieve anything at all. Success isn’t just about pushing constantly—it’s about knowing when to recharge.

Ego: (pauses) So... you’re saying it’s like strategy. Like training, not just… giving up?

Me: Exactly! Rest is part of the plan, not an escape from it. Imagine rest as refueling so you can go further, faster, and stronger.

Ego: Hmm... I guess... that doesn’t sound so weak. Maybe rest doesn’t have to mean stopping ambition.

Me: Right. It means being wise enough to sustain it.

Cute Convo, But I’m Just a Busy Person by Nature

Facing your fears around relaxation and letting go is a profound act of self-compassion that creates space for a richer, more fulfilling life. Science CONFIRMS! Rest is the responsible thing to do.

• Improved Cognitive Function and Memory: Rest, particularly sleep, plays a crucial role in memory consolidation and cognitive performance. Adequate rest improves focus, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities, while lack of rest can impair these functions. Diekelmann, S., & Born, J. (2010). The memory function of sleep. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11(2), 114-126.

• Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Rest helps regulate emotions, reducing irritability and emotional reactivity. Studies show that people who are well-rested are better equipped to manage stress and maintain a balanced mood. Goldstein, A. N., & Walker, M. P. (2014). The role of sleep in emotional brain function. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 10, 679-708.

• Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Regular rest, including quality sleep and relaxation, has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by helping manage stress and decreasing inflammatory markers. Akerstedt, T., & Nilsson, P. M. (2003). Sleep as restitution: An introduction. Journal of Internal Medicine, 254(1), 6-12.

• Boosted Immune System Function: Rest supports immune health by promoting the production of cytokines and other immune-related proteins that help fight infection and inflammation. Chronic rest deprivation can weaken immune function, making the body more susceptible to illness. Besedovsky, L., Lange, T., & Born, J. (2012). Sleep and immune function. Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology, 463(1), 121-137.

• Increased Creativity and Problem-Solving Ability Rest enhances creativity and the ability to solve problems by allowing the brain to process information subconsciously. Periods of relaxation can facilitate insight and innovation by giving the mind time to make new connections. Sio, U. N., Monaghan, P., & Ormerod, T. C. (2013). Sleep on it, but only if it is difficult: Effects of sleep on problem solving. Memory & Cognition, 41(2), 159-166.

These studies demonstrate that rest is essential for overall well-being, supporting everything from brain health to immune function and cardiovascular resilience.

Ok, Thanks Science, Now How Do I Do it?

Here are some gentle steps to guide you towards experiencing rest from several supportive perspectives:

• Somatic: Start by grounding in your body: notice your breath without changing it for a few moments (it’s ok if it’s shallow etc.) and gently place your hand on your heart or belly. Acknowledge the sensations that arise, signaling to your body that it’s safe to relax in this moment.

• Existential: Reflect on how you want to experience this life. Ask yourself what kind of life feels meaningful and sustainable, and consider how moments of ease and enjoyment could be a natural part of that vision. Imagine letting go as an invitation to experience what matters most.

• Collective Body: Tune into the experience of others. Consider joining a group meditation or slow, mindful movement class like Chi Gong to connect with the rhythm of others relaxing together. Recognize the strength and comfort that come from relaxing in the presence of others.

• Relational: Practice letting go with a friend or loved one. Plan a short walk or quiet moment together where you can share an easeful silence. Not only does this help with the vulnerability of relaxation, but it also invites connection in a safe, supportive way.

• Nature-Based: Find a nearby green space, even if it’s just a tree outside. Spend a few moments observing the natural world, noticing how nature effortlessly shifts and renews itself. Imagine yourself as part of that flow, allowing yourself to be present and release what no longer serves.

Each of these practices can gently move you closer to living in a way that feels balanced and nourishing. Give yourself the gift of rest, presence, and connection—these moments are yours to claim.

What’s New At Prosopon

• We are finally starting to settle into our new normal! There are still some kinks to work out but overall we are experiencing a lot of flow and stability.

• Denver Level 2 of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy starts this month which kicks off seven in person modules until June 2025. Liz will be present as an assistant, organizer, and lifelong learner for the training.

• Gabby and Liz attended a half day ADHD training to brush up on their knowledge of this unique and historically misunderstood neurotype. Gabby is particular well suited to serve this population and you can reach her at [email protected]. Sending our love to all ADHDers out there. You matter!

• Gabby attended the 5 Fundamental Movements seminar with veteran Sensorimotor Psychotherapy trainer Brigitta Karelis.

• Lauren is out in the community sharing her gift of educating humans in equine-human relationships. Contact Lauren at [email protected] for more information.

• Liz completed round two of her Approved Clinical Supervisor training with Ryan Kennedy at Noeticus Training Institute.

Hopes, Fear, and Salves

This framework of Hopes, Fears, and Salves can be applied to any area of life where you’re seeking change or balance. Reflect on your hopes, confront any fears, and identify the ‘salves’ that could help you find balance.

Hopes

• That the new normal will become a reliable, powerful machine that supports and nourishes all who are involved with Prosopon.

• That we can honor our forebearers by truly standing on the shoulders of giants—by getting educated, applying what we’ve learned, and ushering in a new era of hope and healing in the psychotherapy and body psychotherapy lineages.

• That people who are stuck in cycles of intensity and unrest will find their way to honoring their worth by aligning with and respecting their natural rhythms, leading to a more joyful, powerful, and connected life.

Fears

• That the machine will become overwhelming, too complex, or full of painful surprises.

• That bureaucracy, fear, screens, and ignorance could erase the work of those who came before, leading us into an era of unconscious, avoidant, and disembodied suffering.

• That relentless, unyielding work will continue to be exalted, spreading the mental and physical diseases of stress.

Salves

• Businesses, like machines, are in need of regular upkeep and repair. Constantly evaluating and tweaking is not only normal but also essential to make the business work for us in a sustainable way. We get to make this place by us, for us!

• There is indeed a powerful wave of people deeply attuned to the vanguard of therapy and healing, including body psychotherapy. It truly feels like the renaissance of body psychotherapy—a transformative era where its impact is being recognized and embraced on a whole new level.

• The discussions and experiments around universal basic income, four-day workweeks, and the work of people like Tricia Hersey, the Nap Bishop, give me hope that we’re beginning to address our addiction to constant work—at least in some places.