Slowing Down, Practicing Stillness, and Rest

In his book, “Stopping: How to be still when you have to keep going”, Dr. David Kundtz shares the value of ‘doing nothing’. He says, “Doing nothing is doing something.” He describes this as seasons when God orders our stops, through practical examples such as short getaways, sleepovers, sabbaticals, and moments when we must attend to our health. This year, as we approached the Lenten season, I sensed the Spirit calling me to slow down, practice stillness, and rest.

One of the most refreshing weeks of Lent was the time I spent in Mt. Holly, NC, visiting my girlfriend, Melodie. When I told Mel that I really needed to get away, sit still, and rest, she insisted that I stay in her home for a few days. She and her husband, Pastor Tony Boone, are the most loving hosts. They literally spoiled me all week. I slept comfortably in a brand-new bed they purchased just for me…  We enjoyed delicious meals, cups of tea, laughter, and meaningful conversations. While I did very little work, I entered each morning slowly, engaged in Lenten prayers, practiced meditation, walked along the river, enjoyed beautiful views overlooking their deck, listened to my favorite music playlist, and enjoyed girlfriend time.

After returning from my getaway to Mel’s home, I had an outpatient surgical procedure. It was a non-emergency procedure that I put off last year because of other commitments. However, when I came into this year, I decided to get it done. My visit to Mt. Holly, NC, coupled with the recovery from the surgical procedure, became a stopping moment. I am especially grateful for our daughter, Ariel, who became my nurse after my surgical procedure. She reminded me of my mother, whom I miss terribly during moments like this. Perhaps this is also one of the gifts of slowing down, practicing stillness, and resting in this Lenten season.

As I reflect on the spiritual significance of this season, I realize that in addition to fasting and prayer, I was also sacrificing busyness. I am still moving, but I am moving at a slower pace and aligning myself with the Spirit’s cadence for my life and ministry. I am enjoying moments of quiet reflection, reconnecting with my family through togetherness and giving myself permission to “do nothing” as Dr. Kundtz describes in his book.

In reviewing the landscape of my life, somewhere between the responsibilities of work and family, self-imposed as well as unrealistic expectations of others, preparation for present and future ministry, I discovered that joy for my work was diminishing. Joy had become secondary, or worse, a silent companion.

Slowing Down Recovers Joy

Joy gets lost when we are constantly rushing. When life is full of the demands of family, work, school, ministry, business, organizations, volunteerism, personal and professional commitments, we become addicted to moving quickly, responding instantly, and producing endlessly. But joy does not live in hurried spaces. Joy is not found in frantic moments. Joy is cultivated in the hidden messages and life-giving lessons we uncover when we take time to slow down and notice how God is speaking through past and present experiences.

Stillness Creates Space for Joy

Stillness is not just about rest; it is about reconnection. For example, the stillness that was required for me to heal properly from surgery created space for me to binge-watch my favorite dramas and discover a new mini-series. Where my calendar had crowded out this activity, stillness created room for me to reconnect with a hobby I once enjoyed. It also created room for connection with family and friends as we shared nuances and life messages from each episode of the television series. It is in stillness that we remember, God is near, God is faithful, and God is sustaining us, even now. In stillness, we become aware of God’s presence where fullness of joy is found. Not the surface-level happiness that depends on circumstances, but profound, supernatural joy rooted through faith in God that scripture speaks of in 1 Peter 1:8 as inexpressible and full of glory. Stillness creates space for joy that strengthens, steadies, and carries us in seasons of hardship and grief.

Rest Protects Our Joy

We often think of rest as something we do when we are physically or mentally exhausted, but rest is also how we protect our joy. When we are overextended, joy becomes fragile. When we are depleted, joy becomes distant. When we are constantly pouring out, our joy tank becomes dry and empty. Ministry without joy becomes an obligation. Service without joy becomes strain. Leadership without joy becomes a burden. But when joy is present, our service becomes life-giving, our leadership becomes authentic, and our presence becomes impactful. When we rest, intentionally, spiritually, and holistically, we create space for our joy to be renewed. Rest slows our pace. Rest allows us to experience work not as a task to complete, but as vocational fulfillment, purpose, and legacy.

With only a few days remaining in this Holy Week, I am refreshed by the sacred invitation that is intrinsically woven into Lent. It is an invitation not to rush, not to strive, not to perform, but to pause. Lent calls us to step away from the noise of our daily routines and sit in stillness. This season ushers us into a calmness of heart that re-centers, renews, and restores our joy.

I am grateful for the lessons of slowing down, practicing stillness, and resting in this Lenten season. It was the sacred pause that my soul needed. I carry these practices with me as I enter another busy season of work and ministry travel. My commitment going forward is to practice sacred pauses regularly, sit quietly in stillness, rest, and reflect on where God is already moving. I am intentionally breathing deeply while releasing the pressure to always be productive. I am choosing the Spirit’s cadence over the pace that is set by a hurried culture.

Dr. Toni G. Alvarado

April 1, 2026