a new framework for living: rest.
what would it be like to live in a well-rested world?
as August begins to shutter its doors, I am reading Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey. It feels timely. I have savored every page, every word as I explore the meaning of rest in my own life.
growing up, I saw both of my parents take on labor as a definitive part of their daily lives. 10-12 hour shifts were commonplace + by the time I joined the labor market at 16, I was ready to do the same. All throughout college, I worked two jobs. I volunteered on weekends + was an active member of social justice circles in my community. I never viewed this as labor as it was work that fed my spirit + yet looking back I know I was always edging towards burnout. This felt normal.
in my professional life now, I meet colleagues who brag about unused vacation days + sit on calls with folks who are sick at home but "still available if you need me!". Away messages serve as window dressing + extended periods of time off are met with disdain. We've normalized labor in such a way that it has tainted our views of how we take care of our bodies, our minds + ultimately each other.
in Rest is Resistance, Hersey lays out a new framework for living + calls us back to our DreamSpace. Inspired by Octavia Butler + Audre Lorde, Hersey reminds us of the power of dreaming, of tuning into our imagination. Without rest, there is no dreaming. Resting allows us to imagine what is possible, calls in our ability to set our future into motion + provides us with the fuel to be present and active in our daily lives.
who is rest for? Hersey answers: rest is for the weary, the hard workers, those trying to make a way, those thinking they aren't worthy of full night's sleep, those raising children, the entrepreneur, the unemployed, the blue collar worker, the white collar worker, those brainwashed by a system that has taught them you aren't enough unless you produce. rest is for all of us.
a few starting places for rest:
领英推荐
Rest is Resistance is rooted in spiritual energy + centered in Black liberation, womanism, somatics + Afrofuturism. It is a call to action.
I am welcoming rest into my life in more active ways than ever before. I invite you in to do the same. Let's rest, without apology or explanations. Our dreams depend on it.
con amor y cari?o,
Beya
with excerpts from book: Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey.
if you choose to purchase the book, I encourage you to use bookshop.org. They offer the option to select a local or BIPOC/W owned bookstore to share proceeds from each book sale. for Boston-area folks, please consider supporting our Black-owned + Roxbury neighborhood bookstore, Frugal Bookstore.
Founder, Designer, Facilitator, Architect
1 年Love this beya. That book is awesome
Equity - Entrepreneurship - Ecosystems
1 年What a timely post for me - I feel as though we are in the productivity era and the guilt to rest is always at odds with what our minds and often times body is screaming at us. Thank you for your words Beyazmin Jiménez!! You and another friend have both recommended this book this month - definitely want to dig in. ??
Digital Director at Roosevelt Institute and Roosevelt Forward
1 年Such an excellent post. The first few paragraphs resonated. As an immigrant, I watched my mom work herself to the bone and I did the same for many years. I reveled in the "Jamaican stereotype" bragging about having 2-3 jobs. I'd make myself sick, and struggled with insomnia and malnourishment. Just like you, I am prioritizing rest now. I make moments to turn my brain off, to play, to dream. I am so grateful I can give myself this time, something my mom has never had.
Project Director for Housing & Public Spaces
1 年Love love this book.???
Program Management | Mentor | Event Planning | Educator | Housing Advocate | Non-Profit Leadership | HUD Certified
1 年I am adding this book to my list! And I am learning the lesson, today I am resting.