Rest to Resist, and Heal.

“Rest is a form of resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy. “

Tricia Hersey, founder of the Nap Ministry

2020 has forced a slowing down for most of the world. It has compelled many people to step back and re-evaluate the importance of the constant push forward and the never-ending drive to succeed. It has sparked an impulse to challenge the systems that our country has been built on that do not serve us all equally, and therefore hold us down. 

Being in Montana, we are privileged to still have the literal space to be outside, finding reprieve in the mountains and on the waters. As we approach the height of the ever-fleeting summer, many of us are pushing our bodies to their limits. But, it is important to come back to this idea of Rest as healing to our bodies, our minds, and our society. 

The Nap Ministry was founded by Tricia Hersey in 2016. This Atlanta based organization examines the liberating power of naps, and views rest as a radical tool for community healing. Rest disrupts chaos, it pushes back against the idea that “more is better”, and it creates space for healing to happen – both mentally and physically. When the mind is still, we can be more creative and intuitive; more human. When the physical body is allowed to rest and recover, we get stronger and more efficient with our energy. 

Rest can come in many forms. Taking a nap, stretching, meditating, cooking a meal, going for a walk in the woods, drinking water, getting a massage or receiving acupuncture. These are all ways of slowing down and taking a moment to be mindfully present in your body and in this world.  

Choose to rest from pushing your body physically, so you can summit the next peak. Choose to rest mentally, so that you are fresh and inspired to have a positive impact in your community.  

By Shelby Whitmore, LMT