LeadForward Vol.1 No. 3

discover how to meet a person or situation with greater wisdom, realize that a part of ourselves needs forgiveness and care, or uncover a new desire, idea, or invitation into unexplored territory. Such realizations are treasures for leaders who carry complex responsibilities and provide vision for their organizations. The gifts of rest are always available, but they require receptivity. In rest, the ego loosens its grip. Judgments quiet, narratives soften, and the soul is finally given room to speak. This is a higher level of consciousness. The old expression “there is no rest for the weary” takes on new meaning. The weary are those depleted mentally, physically, and spiritually. They need rest, yet something drives them into constant motion. When they finally stop and rest, they are no longer among the weary. In our next article, we will explore how to make the most of downtime and rest. Practical Application: During your next break, notice how your mind quiets and how you can listen more closely to the still, small voice.

Self-Inquiry: What about rest carries negative connotations for you?

Joseph Benton Howell, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, author, and founder of The Institute for Conscious Being. Educated at the University of Virginia, Yale University, and Harvard University, he is a leading teacher of the spiritual Enneagram. His groundbreaking work integrates psychology, contemplative wisdom, and soul-level healing. Dr. Howell expanded and deepened the Enneagram’s concept of the Soul Child and its connection to the Divine. He teaches internationally and is the author of Becoming Conscious: The Enneagram’s Forgotten Passageway and Know Your Soul: Journeying with the Enneagram. He is an accredited teacher with the International Enneagram Association and leads retreats and speaking engagements worldwide.

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