Rest...a right or a reward?
If rest is resistance, why do we treat it as if it's a reward that we have to earn?
I am preparing for a zoom coffee chat and let my co-worker know, “hey, I am going on vacation the next two weeks.” They respond with, “whew good! You deserve it! It’s been wild!” We continue our conversation, but this happens repeatedly up until it’s time for the vacation. It leaves me to wonder, what messages have we learned over time about rest and restoration, and how does society, our leadership, and workplaces either confirm these messages or work to change systems that created the notion that rest is an earned pleasure, rather than a right of restoration.
As a leader that has towed the line between workplace time off policy and employee sustainability, it can be hard to model a healthy version of a rest routine. This especially when you are engrossed, and impacted, by the system of oppression, and capitalism, that created this fast paced, earn your keep, reward is rest based society. I have found, though, that setting clear expectations that prioritize regard for wellbeing while also being able to provide clarity regarding work expectations has allowed me to be truly embody the ideals of an inclusive and empathetic leader.
Personally, my journey to rest as a right, and resistance, as Tricia Hersey mentioned in her book, “Rest is Resistance,” is an ongoing journey filled with different types of periods of rest:
Desperate rest: Intermittent periods of unplanned rest characterized by taking longer to get out of bed on days with no meetings, followed by working longer during the day. This could also be a “sloth like” weekend, where I just want to stay on the couch, isolated the whole weekend. This happens when rest, for me, has not been prioritized, and my body and mind have decided, “we are done.”
Planned and Intentional Rest: This is planned time off, with planned activities that fill my cup. This could include a two week planned vacation, with time planned for social media fasting, more time outside journaling, or may include traveling. This might also include daily breaks that are restful and allow for a pause.
Desperate rest and Planned Rest Combo: This is my ideal state, in which I am ebbing and flowing with the needs of myself, family, friends, and work demands. There’s a constant state of rest, but times, when my mind and body need more, because I have given more.
Of course, I can’t end this musing without journal prompts:
What are your rest habits?
Where did you learn those thoughts?
What type of rest do you most lean towards?
“You were not just born to center your entire existence on work and labor. You were born to heal, to grow, to be of service to yourself and community, to practice, to experiment, to create, to have space, to dream, and to connect.” ― Tricia Hersey, Rest Is Resistance: A Manifest
Thanks for reading,
Samantha Edu