Ready, Set, Rest!

I remember when my grandparents used to unwind from their busy days by sitting on their front porch in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward. The porch was a place of retreat; a place to seek solace. If there was ever a cool breeze blowing during the southern summers, kinfolk and neighbors who sat with them relished it. Together folks would chat about everything and nothing- usually mundane topics accompanied by a cool drink or a sweet snack. Nevertheless, the front porch was an important place of ease, connection and rest.

In our fast-paced world, the concept of rest often takes a backseat to the urgency of work, errands, and endless to-do lists. Yet, statistics show that rest is not just a luxury but a necessity that helps us maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

According to the American Psychological Association's "Stress in America 2023," chronic stress levels among Americans have reached alarming levels, with one quarter of survey respondents reporting that their stress levels have increased over the past four years. This chronic stress has serious implications for our individual and collective health, contributing to a host of physical and mental health issues. Without adequate rest, we risk burnout, compassion fatigue, and diminished effectiveness.

Click Here To Register To Rest

Rest goes beyond simply sleeping or taking a vacation. There are a range of activities and practices that allow us to recharge and replenish our energy reserves. This includes physical rest through activities like sleep, relaxation, and exercise; mental rest through practices like mindfulness, meditation, and journaling; emotional rest through connecting with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, and seeking therapy; and spiritual rest through practices like prayer, meditation, and spending time in nature.

Rest allows us to recharge our batteries and gain clarity. Rest also helps us to navigate the challenges and setbacks with resilience.

By prioritizing rest, we can sustain ourselves for the long haul, ensuring that we have the stamina needed to create lasting change in our communities. We repeat Audre Lorde's words, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” In our fight for justice, rest is a radical act of self-preservation and resistance. But we must be consistent.

I want to get back to the days when I sat with my grandparents with no expectations and no electronics. I'd love for you to join me. Let's do ourselves and our communities a favor and make time for rest today. During the Ready, Set, Rest! retreat I will hold space for us to unplug and experience a day of ease, connection and rest. We'll be in community and reignite habits that will allow us to focus on our wellbeing. We'll thank ourselves for it.

Join me in June to

*Explore our socialization around rest

*Understand how dominant culture narratives leave us exhausted

*Experience the healing power of nature

*Enjoy a chair massage

*Nourish your body with a heathy lunch

*Be in community

Have questions? Send them my way via email at wecoachingandconsulting@gmail.com

Click Here To Register To Rest