Restorative Niche – Chapter 1

Choosing Restorative Niche Activities 1

We know that it is important to do some things for ourselves to restore a balance of energy and health—emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally. How do we decide those niche activities that suit just us and our life circumstances? Here are first two of six criteria to help you choose.

Jesus said, “Come to me.”

Firstly, keep this scripture in mind. 

Matthew 11: 28-30 TPT “Are you weary and carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I am gentle, tranquil, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me.  For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.” 

First and foremost, our restorative place is in Jesus Christ. No pastime can refresh our soul like being with Him. Notice that He says, “Come to me”, not “Follow me”, or “Get on with ministry” but “Come, to me. (Be with me, hang with me and you will be refreshed in that tranquil, peaceful place.)” As we accept to Jesus’ invitation and consider the example of His restorative times, we will be guided in choosing activities which are not burdensome, but rather, refreshing.

Discovering What You Enjoy

What else? Perhaps, this goes without saying, choose something you are interested in and enjoy doing. Don’t engage just because a friend or spouse loves the activity, or someone online recommends it, but because you are genuinely interested and find enjoyment in it. Don and I share some interests, like hanging with family, dancing and building things, but not all. He finds riding his motorbike restorative— I know I wouldn’t and I don’t feel the need to learn to ride just because he does. I love to paint—he encourages me to do so, but it’s not an activity that he would find pleasurable.

Remember, the primary reason for engaging in something restorative is to replenish and nourish your soul. Enjoyment of an activity does just that.

Reflection questions:

• How and where will I hang out with Jesus to experience tranquillity and refreshing?
• What activities have I done in the past that I really loved doing?
• What new activities am I interested in and would like to pursue?