Rest as Resistance: Reclaiming Time and Rediscovering Self Beyond Capitalism
Lake Atitlan, Gautemala
In the relentless pace of modern life, where our worth is often measured by productivity and our hours tallied as capital gains, I've embarked on a journey to reclaim something fundamental yet profound: rest. Not as a luxury, but as an act of resistance against the shackles of capitalism. Borrowing themes from "Rest is Resistance" by Tricia Hersey and deepening my knowledge on creating true happiness with "The Science of Well-Being" course by Laurie Santos, I've come to understand that to rest is not just to recharge for another day's labor but to defy a system that equates our value with our output and deepen our purpose on this planet.
As I've journeyed through places like Guatemala, spoken with friends old and new, or simply savored the quiet moments by the lake, it’s become abundantly clear: my ancestors were never afforded the opportunity to rest. They were caught in a relentless exploitation of labor. My ancestor’s enslavement, my parent’s escaping Haiti because it was never meant to be Haiti and living in survival mode; exhaustion and deprivation is embedded in my DNA. And as much as I've inherited their strength and resilience, I've also inherited a legacy of fatigue. A legacy I'm determined to break.
Burnout is no badge of honor. It's a sign that we're detached from our purpose and our humanity. There's a misconception in our capitalist society that busyness equates to importance. That exhaustion is a symbol of dedication. But life, in its raw, beautiful essence, is too short to be perpetually tired.
I've chosen to step out, to travel, not as an escape but as a deeper immersion into life. To connect with God's people, to feel the rhythms of different lands, to challenge the often narrow narratives pushed by the media of places deemed “unsafe”. With each place I visit, I am reminded that we are all connected. Not by the jobs we do or the titles we hold, but by our shared humanity.
My travels, my choice to prioritize rest, isn't preparation for the next big project or a sabbatical before diving back into the rat race. It’s a sabbath. It’s a declaration: I deserve rest. Not because of what I've achieved, but simply because I exist. And I exist to be happy. Because rest isn't just the absence of work; it's a space where I can tap into my essence more deeply, understand my emotions, and clear the clutter from my mind. When I rest I am more whole, when I rest I am the truest form of me there is. My willingness to learn from everyone is at its peak. And as a Black woman, it is the exact opposite of what is expected and has been historically aligned with identity. I am finding that I have so much value beyond the stuff I have but it is my time, my social connections, and my acts of kindness that truly enrich my life.
Many jobs, even those perceived as impactful, can feel meaningless at their core when seen through the lens of capitalism. This isn't a dismissal of the many passionate professionals out there, but rather an acknowledgment of the flawed system they operate within. A system built on foundations that, especially in America, often harbor elements of corruption, injustice, and inequality.
Rest is an act of reclaiming our worth from this system. A realization that we are complete beings, worthy of joy, relaxation, and leisure, without any work title attached to our names. As I navigate my journey of self-discovery, prioritizing well-being, and forging connections across borders, I am reminded of the power of pausing. Of listening. Of simply being.
So, to anyone feeling overwhelmed by the ceaseless demands of modern life, remember this: Your worth is innate. And sometimes, the most revolutionary act you can undertake is to simply rest. Because in resting, we resist. We defy a system that sees us only as bodies meant to produce. And we embrace the beautiful, multifaceted beings we truly are.
I am so grateful for this time and know that rest looks different for everyone. Whether it is spending a month in a remote lakeside village in Guatemala, taking a two week break from social media, or taking a 20 minute nap. I pray you find time to rest. I pray you have time to get to know the center of your universe, yourself.