Hey Everyone! In the spirit of our DEI commitments and amplifying BIPOC voices, I wanted to share a resource. Theologian, activist, and the author of Nap Ministry, Tricia Hersey, also known as the ‘Nap Bishop,’ lifts-up the idea of radical rest for BIPOC communities— leaning into rest not just as a form of self-care, but as a tool for LIBERATION and RESISTANCE.
Hersey writes,
“My rest as a Black woman in America suffering from generational exhaustion and racial trauma always was a political refusal and social justice uprising within my body. I took to rest and naps and slowing down as a way to save my life, resist the systems telling me to do more and most importantly as a remembrance to my Ancestors who had their DreamSpace stolen from them. This is about more than naps. It is not about fluffy pillows, expensive sheets, silk sleep masks or any other external, frivolous, consumerist gimmick. It is about a deep unraveling from white supremacy and capitalism. These two systems are violent and evil. History tells us this and our present living shows this. Rest pushes back and disrupts a system that views human bodies as a tool for production and labor. It is a counter narrative. We know that we are not machines. We are divine.” (Hersey, T., 2023)
Hersey writes,
“My rest as a Black woman in America suffering from generational exhaustion and racial trauma always was a political refusal and social justice uprising within my body. I took to rest and naps and slowing down as a way to save my life, resist the systems telling me to do more and most importantly as a remembrance to my Ancestors who had their DreamSpace stolen from them. This is about more than naps. It is not about fluffy pillows, expensive sheets, silk sleep masks or any other external, frivolous, consumerist gimmick. It is about a deep unraveling from white supremacy and capitalism. These two systems are violent and evil. History tells us this and our present living shows this. Rest pushes back and disrupts a system that views human bodies as a tool for production and labor. It is a counter narrative. We know that we are not machines. We are divine.” (Hersey, T., 2023)
So often folxs of color feel like we need permission to take a break. Let us release the guilt and idea that we must earn rest and lean into the idea that it is our birthright! Hersey provides a hotline, 1-833-LUV-NAPS (588-6277), that supports us on our journey. I hope that you find it helpful. Wishing you a RESTful week ahead!
In solidarity,
Nicole
In solidarity,
Nicole
Blog Post Written By: Nicole Reinosa, Assistant Director of Implementation
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