Rest Isn’t Idleness

We’re halfway through summer—and if you’re like most leaders, you’re both craving a break and wrestling with guilt, unfinished to-dos, and screen addiction. In Episode 6 of our H2 Leader Summer Series, Alan and Jonathan go deep on rest as a strategic, creative, and spiritual practice—not just “doing nothing.” Learn why resting well actually multiplies your impact, how to design your unique rest rhythm, and why trust (in God, yourself, your team) is the secret ingredient.

You’ll discover:

• Why rest requires trust—and how to build it in real time

• The 7 types of rest (creative, sensory, spiritual, and more) that recharge you

• Real stories from their June adventures (Grand Canyon epiphanies, half-day schedules, family trips)

• How to move from negative-one burnout mode to a place of abundance

• The power of “accessible vs. available” boundaries for sustainable rest

Press play, clear your mental clutter, and unlock the productive power of true rest.

Key Topics Covered

• Rest ≠ Inaction: Rest as a powerful, generative action—an investment, not waste

• Trust & Rest: Why letting go (half-day schedules, family getaways) is the first step

• 7 Types of Rest: Creative, sensory, spiritual, and more (from Sacred Rest by Sandra Dalton-Smith)

• Negative-One vs. Abundance: How to tell if you’re operating from a deficit—and how to climb back to zero

• Accessible vs. Available: Setting rest boundaries while remaining dependable

Reflect & Apply

Grab a journal or open your notes app. Spend 10–15 minutes exploring:

1. When was the last time I felt truly rested? (Six months ago? A year? More?)

2. Which form of rest does my mind/body/spirit need most right now? (Creative, sensory, physical, spiritual, social, etc.)

3. What’s my next single step to develop a healthy, repeatable rhythm of rest?

Links & Resources

The Sabbatical Journey Field Guide
→ https://a.co/d/haM9rSR

Right Side Up Journal (Weekly & Quarterly Audit)
→ https://a.co/d/fUaXcFh

Sacred Rest by Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith (on the 7 Types of Rest)
→ [Search “Sacred Rest Dalton-Smith” on your favorite bookstore]