In Grind Culture: Rest Is Resistance
“I wish you rest today. I wish you a deep knowing that exhaustion is not a normal way of living. You are enough. You can rest.”
This blessing from Tricia Hersey’s book Rest Is Resistance, challenges us to reject grind culture’s harmful narrative that our worth is tied to productivity. She invites us to reconnect with our humanity and divinity through rest.
Rest is not just a pause; it is an act of liberation.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, exhaling slowly through your mouth.
Imagine a world without oppression. Visualize softness, safety, and freedom.
Picture a life centered on justice and care, where your worth is defined by your inherent humanity, not your output.
Stay for awhile, breathing deeply: “I am worthy of care. I am enough now. Rest is my resistance.”
The Cost of Grind Culture
Grind culture holds the belief that we must always be doing, achieving, and striving, leaving little room for rest or reflection. It views our bodies as machines rather than sacred spaces.
Grind culture disconnects us from our intuition and divinity.
Rest is a form of resistance that reclaims our humanity and helps heal the trauma caused by constant overwork.
Sleep deprivation is both a public health and spiritual issue.
What would change if you prioritized rest?
Rest is a sacred act, a rejection of the lie that our worth is tied to productivity. When we rest, we reclaim our humanity and create space for healing, dreaming, and liberation.
Creating space for softness and rest in my life
What activities can I reduce to open up time to rest?
People and activities that drain my energy
Obligations that I could do less perfectly or share/pass along to others
Things I enjoy but need to be spaced differently
What are some forms of rest I can embrace?
Naps, sitting outside feeling air on my skin, turning off screens, daydreaming, writing, art, music, dance
Cultivate valuing rest in my family, friends, people I live with, and prioritizing this with each other
What limiting beliefs about rest am I ready to release?
What are you feeling in your body as you imagine into the above? Sit with that energy and listen.
Rest restores my power
Rest is a pathway to freedom, healing, and a world where we are valued not only for what we do, but for who we are.
In this week’s Sunday free community class, we continue our focus on strength and resilience. We will explore our relationship with rest and share together. You are welcome to join us! Details and link here.