The Urge to Fight Left Me
On a midnight train to Georgia
I’m making peace with myself.
I’ve been reading “Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto” by Tricia Hersey, and it’s stirring up thoughts about autonomy, ease as a birthright, and the connection between labor and rest.
Tricia’s message is simple: Rest pushes back against capitalist and white supremacist infrastructures that seek to extract profit through the burnout and destruction of bodies.
Her plea is to not equate our worth with our productivity. She’s calling systems out, and inviting humanity in.
This book really resonates because I am quick to throw my nervous system into fight or flight mode to accomplish something. Only to then reach the finish line depleted and frazzled. I don’t even enjoy the process. And here’s the thing… life is the process.
Some thoughts I’m sitting with:
What do I seek to control through a productive self-image?
What strategies can I use when I feel myself getting consumed?
Whose opinion mattered so much to me that I internalized a need to be impressive?
What is it costing me to equate my worth with my productivity?
A new perspective is seeking me as much as I am seeking it.
May this week’s happiness find you rested.
-R
RIVER BED
Barefoot at the water's edge a setting sun gleams Pointing where moss is a pillowcase the launchpad of honeyed dreams Trees sing a symphony to welcome a rising moon Humidity thick as a blanket snuggles close for the lullaby croon Night blooming jasmine announces itself in the air Darkness exstinguishes the sky's fire cacooning owl query's like prayer Eyes flutter then still where silver ether meets worldly fluff As the rays of a new day tickle my skin to wake me up
TODAY’S TIDBIT
The best borough is getting a new stage.
Hanibal Buress’ performance venue, Isola Brooklyn, debuts on Sunday, March 9th in Williamburg. Burress, alongside a guest performer, will host the two-night grand opening. You can find tickets here, but you might want to grab one quickly - the first night is already sold out.
COMMUNITY CORNER
🏫 I’ve never been to any place on 6 Places to Read, Write & Reflect in New York, but
you had me at big chairs and history.😍
snapped while detailing the depth and endurance of a 30-year friendship in When you finally realize you are loved🌅 I love a reminder to meet myself brand new every single day. This read legit brought tears to my eyes. Thank you
for Student Driver.LET ME KNOW
This poem was first an image in my head. Did you find it vivid?
What was your favorite line?
Have you seen One of Those Days? Are you into comedies?
What are you looking forward to this spring?
Rachel, I'm so glad that you've been reading Rest Is Resistance. Genuinely one of my top reads and I think many of the reminders can help us get back to the root of our normalised chronic exhaustion. Loved your reflections and hope the journey to rest is nourishing for you
Thank you for reminding me that I need to go back and read the book again, because a lot of times I find myself forgetting that "Rest is resistance."