Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto

In Part 1 of the book, Hersey explores the significance of rest, particularly within the context of Black-American life, which is shaped by historical and contemporary struggles against systemic oppression. In her personal account, Hersey reflects on the influence of her upbringing and family, particularly her father, in shaping her understanding of rest within the context of Black-American life. She describes growing up in Chicago, a city known for its industriousness, and the resilience of the Black community in navigating the systemic challenges of racism and the grind culture. Hersey describes a community that, despite the relentless demands of survival in a capitalist and racially discriminatory society, found moments of joy, spirituality, and rest.

Hersey’s father, Willie Hersey, embodies the paradox of this struggle. As a dedicated railroad worker and assistant pastor, he tirelessly served both his community and family, while often sacrificing his own well-being. Hersey details her father’s rigorous routine and his efforts to balance his multiple roles, and she refers to the immense pressure he faced to excel and provide in a system that consistently undervalued and discriminated against him. Her father’s life, marked by constant work and little rest, ultimately took a toll on his health, which led to his premature death. Hersey connects these personal experiences to a claim about the systemic nature of sleep deprivation and overwork as public health and racial justice issues. She argues that the grind culture not only affects individual lives but also perpetuates racial inequalities, with Black Americans disproportionately suffering from the lack of rest and the consequent health problems.

Hersey moreover critiques the consumer-driven approach to rest, which often manifests as temporary escapes rather than integrating rest into daily life. She points out how societal expectations, particularly those placed on marginalized groups like Black and Latina women, perpetuate a cycle of overwork and undervalue the importance of rest. She argues that the capitalist mentality of constant labor and the idea of “filling up your cup” to serve others are flawed and contribute to the exhaustion of these communities (62). Hersey emphasizes the importance of decolonizing rest, moving away from capitalist ideals that commodify leisure and viewing rest as a radical act of self-care and resistance. She also argues against the notion of resting solely to recharge for work and instead advocates for rest as a fundamental human right and a form of rebellion against grind culture.

Hersey shares her journey and the Nap Ministry’s inception, which highlights collective napping experiences as communal acts of resistance and healing. She stresses the need for rest to be accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status, and criticizes social media’s role in perpetuating the grind culture. Hersey calls for a global shift in perspective to prioritize rest, influenced by her background in Black Liberation Theology and the teachings of figures like James Cone. She advocates for rest as a tool for liberation and justice, not just for Black people but for all who are affected by oppressive systems. She also advocates for digital detoxes and mindful engagement with technology as part of a broader strategy to reclaim rest and resist the capitalist demands that drive overwork and stress.

Furthermore, Hersey challenges the urgency and rush imposed by society and urges individuals to slow down and listen to their own needs, presenting rest as a meticulous act of self-love and care. She points out that the grind culture, which is rooted in capitalism and white supremacy, expects individuals to function like machines, but resting allows people to remain tender and connected with themselves. Rest, according to Hersey, is for everyone who is weary, overworked, or feels undeserving of rest due to societal conditioning. She stresses that rest is a global movement essential for tapping back into one’s divinity and that everyone has the inherent right to rest.

Hersey then provides practical steps for individuals to begin their journey toward rest, including detoxing from social media, healing personal trauma, daydreaming, and acknowledging the brainwashing effects of capitalist culture. She encourages individuals to create “Not-To-Do Lists” to prioritize rest and establish healthy boundaries (83). These actions are part of a larger process of reimagining rest, moving away from societal expectations of constant productivity.

Rest, as Hersey describes, can take many forms, such as closing one’s eyes for a few minutes, taking longer showers, meditating, or engaging in activities like sound baths, yoga, napping, and crafting. These practices are not just about physical rest but also about mental and emotional rejuvenation, which allows individuals to reconnect with themselves and their environment. Hersey emphasizes the importance of daily practice until rest becomes a foundational aspect of one’s life.

Hersey additionally critiques the pervasive culture that equates one’s value with their productivity and accomplishments, and she highlights the detrimental effects of such a mindset on individual well-being and community health. She questions the societal norms that glorify busyness and marginalize rest, and she points out the irony of striving for material and non-material gains while neglecting the essential human need for rest and connection. Hersey discusses how the grind culture has affected her personal and family life. She reflects on the pressures of adhering to an unrealistic standard of perfection while she was in school, which was influenced by a pervasive “do more” ethos ingrained by her family and societal expectations. She recalls how as a child, she was advised to work harder to be recognized as capable, which highlights the constant push to exceed normal limits to achieve equality.

Hersey critiques the relentless pursuit of “Black excellence” as a response to white supremacy and respectability politics and discusses how this pursuit perpetuates exhaustion and damages self-esteem among Black individuals. She advocates for recognizing inherent worth simply in being, rather than constantly striving to prove one’s value through achievements. Hersey credits her father for teaching her the value of rest while existing in a capitalist society and expands the concept of rest beyond mere physical repose. Hersey encourages an understanding of rest as a sacred, liberatory practice that can help individuals and communities heal from the damages oppressive systems inflict: “Let our rest be a resurrection. Let the veils be lifted so we can feel, see, taste, and smell the power of our rested selves” (88). She describes rest as a portal to liberation and urges individuals to frequently visit this space of tranquility and renewal.