Not long ago, in his Preciousness of Faith column of the Catholic Peace Weekly, the seminary professor tells us of a story he heard about a person weary of city life, who quit his job to return to the countryside to rest and, for the first time in a long while, felt the leisure of life. Listening to the world’s stories over the radio, he gradually gave up the thought of returning to the city and began looking for work in the countryside. These kinds of stories are many.
Although one cannot simply quit their job and spontaneously move to the countryside, it is very important to make time for rest and leisure in our busy daily lives. We need to learn how to work, but actually, we also need to learn how to rest. It seems that learning to rest might be the most necessary thing for people in our country, as we are generally not good at taking a break.
Recently, he heard the term 'micro-break' on the radio. It refers to a 'very short break'—5 to 10 minutes of rest, stretching, a brief walk, looking out the window or at distant scenery, deep breathing, closing the eyes for a one-minute pause or spacing out, drinking coffee or tea while clearing your mind, listening to one or two favorite songs—these are examples of physical and mental activities. Such breaks are said to reset the brain, improve focus and productivity, reduce stress, enhance physical health, and stimulate creativity.
When you think about it, smartphones have occupied the empty spaces in our daily lives. Meanwhile, our brains are continuously stimulated and forced to focus without rest. Our everyday lives are exhausting, so frequently taking short breaks to restore energy and vitality is very important. Rest may seem slow or backward, but in reality, it is the way to go further and be more effective.
Along with this, he thinks a 'spiritual micro-break' is also necessary. When the heart feels empty or lonely, that is when the Holy Spirit invites us to conversation. The Spirit gives rest to my weary soul and provides energy to renew my strength. How much do I listen to and respond to the voice of the Spirit as I go through my day?
There are 'micro breaks of faith,' such as the Rosary, Eucharistic adoration, or the short prayers offered while briefly looking at sacred images. Listening to 'Today's Sermon' on the Daily Mass app is also a good method. With just the intention, one can easily create moments of rest with the Lord in daily life. In fact, true rest and relaxation are impossible if we are not with the Lord.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) We often feel life as a heavy burden. Sometimes things don’t go well, and we wander in uncertainty. That’s precisely when we should remember Jesus’ words. The Lord knows the weight of our lives well and looks upon us with a heart of empathy. Knowing that we are weak, tired beings in need of rest, He invites us, who carry heavy burdens and struggle, into His rest.
The only thing we need to do as those whose hearts need peace and rest is to take a single step toward the Lord. And it requires the courage to pause our work temporarily to go to Him. Let us listen to our souls that long for rest. And let us approach the Lord. Let us lay down our burdens and entrust ourselves to His arms. In that way, we gradually come to resemble the gentle and humble heart of the Lord, become a place of rest for those around us, and guide them to the Lord.
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