In this world without quiet corners,

there can be no easy escapes … from hullabaloo,

from terrible, unquiet fuss.

–Salman Rushdie

While few of us would be characterized as purely extroverted or introverted, most of us fit into one category more often than the other. I’m willing to bet that Mr. Rushdie, the well-known writer of this week’s quote, is primarily an introvert. In order to experience happiness and feel productive, he must schedule into his day adequate time to process facts, conversations, and events. He’d probably tell us that he feels over stimulated and can’t hear himself think in busy environments. He feels stressed and off balance if he can’t find time in his day to think private thoughts or enjoy social engagements that include small numbers of people, enabling him to experience deeper conversations. As an introvert, Mr. Rushdie draws his energy from within.

The faster our world processes information and the more connected we become to music and information, texting and public discourse, the more I value my own quiet time. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I’m becoming more introverted, because I‘m generally energized by people. I would say that I’m beginning to see the wisdom in learning how to quiet myself. Unhooking from media at some point each day. Training my thoughts to focus on the sacred and the spiritual–on God, Himself. He promises that if we learn how to enter into His very presence, He’ll gift us with genuine rest.

A growing number of medical experts have begun touting a similar message in recent weeks: Get plenty of rest! Aim for 7 to 8 hours of nightly sleep. They point to studies indicating improved relationships and increased weight loss for those who are dieting. And while both results are good enough to entice me into bed at an earlier hour, I’ll wake up bright eyed at 2:30 a.m. after just four hours of sleep if my heart and soul are not rested. I’ll lay there and worry about the tasks needing my attention. I’ll rehearse conversations I need to have. I’ll consider problems that seem out of my reach and wonder how God can possibly make things better. I’ll toss and turn as my husband sleeps like a baby.

The rest our bodies require is much different that the rest needed by our souls.

One of my favorite books is Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach and she includes an outstanding list of ways to rest your soul. This list includes things like cultivating an attitude of gratitude. Keeping your house picked up. Breathing deeply and often. Learning how to say, “No.” Savoring the beauty around you. Not answering the phone during dinner. Surrendering expectations. I’m all in favor of this list. It’s appropriate for men and women, young and old. Good stuff, I say!

But how can you allow the beauty to calm your soul if you’re experiencing deep emotional and spiritual pain? Your spouse has just died. You are at odds with a family member. You feel guilty about an unresolved situation. You can’t see God’s work in your life or feel His touch. You are secretly afraid of dying.

These are the things that tire our souls and the very things God is there to soothe. But we must take some steps. We must be willing to get quiet. Read about God to understand the ways He demonstrates His love for us. Choose a mentor who has experiences with God, can listen to our frustrations, pray for us and offer helpful suggestions. Learn how to worship.

It’s a lifetime of discovery. But it’s time well spent for it will nurture a relationship that will rest our souls.