The Three Levels of Restlessness: Epidermis, Existential, and Sacred

Holy Work with Luke LeFevre

Episode Summary:

In this vulnerable and thought-provoking solo episode, Luke explores a question many of us wrestle with in silence: Why do I feel so restless… even when life looks fine on the outside?

We live in a culture of constant distraction, performance, and pressure—and yet, underneath all of it, there’s a deeper ache we don’t often talk about. Luke breaks restlessness down into three distinct levels—surface, soul, and sacred—and invites listeners to reflect on whether that inner unease might not be a sign of dysfunction... but a divine invitation.

Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, a spiritual seeker, or just someone tired of feeling stuck, this episode is a guide to understanding where your restlessness is coming from—and what to do with it.

Key Takeaways:

1. Epidermis-Level Restlessness

This is the kind of agitation caused by overstimulation: too much scrolling, email checking, comparison, or noise. Rooted in dopamine imbalance, it’s a sign your nervous system needs rest—not more content.

2. Existential Restlessness

You’re doing all the right things—but feel hollow inside. This level of restlessness often signals misalignment. Viktor Frankl called it the “existential vacuum.” It’s a quiet grief for the life you know you’re not living yet.

3. Sacred Restlessness

Not all restlessness is a problem. Sometimes it’s a pull. This is the restlessness that comes from God—an inner ember that says, “You were made for more.” It’s a whisper toward your Holy Work, often disguised as discomfort.

Why This Matters:

• You can’t follow your calling if you don’t understand your restlessness.
• Journaling helps you name what you’re feeling—and what might be underneath it.
• Holy Work is not about fixing everything. It’s about listening for where God is pulling.

Memorable Quotes:

"In a world engineered to keep us restless, sometimes the bravest thing you can do is be still."

"You’re not crazy. You’re just hearing something deeper."

"Your restlessness may not be a problem to solve. It may be God’s invitation to begin."

Resources Mentioned:

• Holy Work Membership (Daily Journal Prompts)
• Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning
• The Holy Work Journaling Method

Journal Prompt:

What kind of restlessness am I experiencing today—epidermis, existential, or sacred? And if I were to be honest... what is it trying to tell me?

Call to Action:

Ready to stop numbing the restlessness and start listening to it? Join the Holy Work Membership at HolyWork.com to receive daily journal prompts that help you discern, reflect, and reconnect with what God is really doing in your life.