Rest as Resistance

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Rest as Resistance - Melanated Goddess Circle

Reclaiming Joy and Ease in a Hustle-Obsessed Society

In a world that glorifies hustle culture, the simple act of rest is often viewed as a luxury. For Black women, who have long carried the weight of societal expectations, rest is more than just a reprieve—it’s a revolutionary act. As the “soft life” movement gains traction, many are beginning to explore what joy, ease, and intentional rest mean for them. This is a reclamation of a birthright that society has systematically denied.

The Historical Context of Overperformance

Historically, Black women have been positioned as pillars of strength, expected to shoulder burdens with grace and resilience. From the era of enslavement to present-day microaggressions in corporate spaces, the trope of the “strong Black woman” has been both a survival strategy and a barrier to rest. Rest challenges this narrative. It says: I am worthy of ease, not because of what I do, but because of who I am.

Rest as a Radical Act

Audre Lorde famously said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Choosing to rest in a society that devalues your humanity is a powerful form of resistance. Rest disrupts the cycle of overperformance and asserts your inherent worth.

Incorporating Rest and Ease

For many Black women, the journey to rest involves unlearning. Here are some ways to reclaim joy and ease:

  1. Somatic Healing Practices
    Somatic healing helps reconnect the mind and body, which is essential for those who’ve experienced trauma or chronic stress. Practices like yoga, body scans, and deep breathing exercises can help release tension and foster restfulness.
  2. Setting Boundaries
    Learning to say “no” is a critical part of creating space for rest. This can mean declining additional responsibilities at work or setting limits on social obligations. Boundaries are not walls—they are bridges to your well-being.
  3. Joyful Activities
    Rest doesn’t always mean sleep. It can look like dancing in your living room, soaking in a hot bath, or spending uninterrupted time with a book. These moments of joy are just as restorative.
  4. Healing the Nervous System
    Chronic stress keeps the nervous system in fight-or-flight mode. Activities like sound baths, journaling, or simply sitting in silence can calm the body and mind, fostering a sense of peace.

Rest and the “Soft Life” Movement

The “soft life” movement is an intentional rejection of struggle as a measure of worth. It calls for a life filled with ease, pleasure, and intentionality. For Black women, embracing this lifestyle is an act of liberation—a declaration that we are no longer willing to sacrifice our well-being.

Why Rest Is Revolutionary

Rest challenges a capitalist system that equates productivity with value. It disrupts the narrative that busyness is the only path to success. For Black women, rest is about reclaiming agency, honoring ancestral wisdom, and ensuring longevity for future generations.

A Community of Rest

In the Melanated Goddess Circle, rest is sacred. Through our monthly gatherings, we hold space for Black women to breathe, heal, and connect. Whether it’s through somatic movements, meditations, or heartfelt discussions, we create a container where rest is honored and celebrated.

A Simple Rest Ritual to Try

  1. Light a candle or incense to set the mood.
  2. Sit in a comfortable position or lie down.
  3. Close your eyes and take five deep breaths, focusing on the rise and fall of your chest.
  4. Place your hands over your heart and silently repeat: I am worthy of rest. I honor my body’s need for ease.
  5. Stay in this space for as long as you like, letting the peace wash over you.

Rest Is Your Birthright

Reclaiming rest is not just about restoring your energy—it’s about reclaiming your joy, your power, and your humanity. Let us continue to redefine what it means to live fully, unapologetically embracing rest as resistance.

What does rest look like for you? Share your thoughts and practices in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to rest and resist together.

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