Reflections on "Rest is Resistance" by Tricia Hersey

Recently, I had the profound experience of reading "Rest is Resistance" by Tricia Hersey. This book has reshaped my understanding of rest and its critical importance in our lives, particularly for those of us navigating the intersections of race, capitalism, and societal expectations.

Hersey masterfully outlines the deep connections between slavery, capitalism, white supremacy, and what we know as grind culture. She unpacks how these forces intertwine to create a relentless drive for productivity, often at the expense of our well-being. The concept of "Black excellence" and the idea that Black people must work twice as hard to get half as much are particularly damaging. Hersey argues that this mindset, born out of systemic oppression, continues to perpetuate a cycle of exhaustion and burnout.

One of the most striking revelations from the book was the critique of our capitalistic system. Hersey explains how this system is designed to keep us operating in a state of constant fatigue, robbing us of the mental capacity and space necessary to imagine and dream. This relentless push for productivity serves to maintain the status quo, ensuring that we remain too tired to challenge or change it.

This book forced me to confront my own complicity in grind culture. Despite vocally rejecting it, I realized that I had internalized the very mindset I thought I opposed. The belief that working and doing twice as much would somehow lead to success or fulfillment had taken root in my psyche. Hersey's words made me see how deeply ingrained these harmful notions are, even in those of us who actively resist them.

Moreover, Hersey challenged my understanding of a person's role on this earth. I had always believed that our purpose was tied to our contributions to making the world a better place through constant effort and work. However, Hersey posits that our primary job is simply to be and to breathe. This idea was revolutionary for me. Rest, she argues, allows us to align with the divine within us, a connection that is often blocked when we are exhausted and overworked.

Hersey also explains that rest isn't just about taking naps. It involves the deep work of deprogramming and unlearning the ways we've adapted capitalist values into our everyday actions. Rest means slowing down and not feeling the need to make money at every moment. It means understanding that individualism is dangerous and that community care is central to true rest. This broader definition of rest emphasizes the importance of slowing down and reclaiming our time and energy from a system that demands constant output.

I read this transformative book while on vacation in Mexico, the first international trip my husband and I have taken since the birth of our sons. A special shout-out to my parents for being willing to watch our sons so we could enjoy this much-needed rest. Now, after reading Hersey's words, I understand just how valuable that rest is. My mom and mother-in-law have also read this book and I can not wait to share our takeaways with each other. 

"Rest is Resistance" is a call to action, urging us to reclaim our right to rest and to reject the false narrative that our worth is tied to our productivity. It is a reminder that rest is not just a personal necessity but a form of resistance against oppressive systems. This book has not only transformed my understanding of rest but has also inspired me to make tangible changes in my life. It is an essential read for anyone seeking to break free from the chains of grind culture and to embrace a more holistic, restful way of being.

Please read this book, and share you takeaways in the comments.