Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto

Hersey delves into the concept of resistance as an intrinsic part of the journey toward embracing rest. She posits that resistance is a natural response to the oppressive nature of grind culture, which begins to exert its influence from birth, impacting the soul’s inherent tendency to seek rest and peace. Hersey views rest as an essential act of soul care, a means to counter the toxic systems that obscure our true nature and potential. She asserts that rest enables us to connect with the deepest parts of ourselves, fostering a liberation that is both internal and societal.

Hersey references figures like Harriet Tubman and the legacy of maroons in America as embodiments of the resistance spirit, and she highlights their refusal to accept bondage and their creation of spaces of freedom and autonomy. She argues that these historical examples reinforce the argument that rest is not merely a personal indulgence but a political act of defiance against systems that exploit and dehumanize.

Hersey moreover advocates that to effectively resist the dehumanizing demands of capitalism and white supremacy, one must engage in a deep, soulful reckoning. She challenges readers to consider the ways in which their own lives are complicit in these systems and to actively seek rest as a form of rebellion. Hersey emphasizes that rest, in this context, is not about enhancing productivity but about reclaiming one’s time, body, and agency from a culture that relentlessly commodifies human existence.

Hersey urges a collective reimagining of societal values where rest is prioritized as an essential component of human dignity. She describes rest as a revolutionary practice that can disrupt the status quo by offering individuals a space to heal, dream, and conceive of a more just and compassionate world. She asserts: “Sleep will restore us. Peace of mind will elevate us to our highest form while spiritually protecting us from the invasion of the spiritual death that comes from sleep deprivation” (143).

Hersey reflects deeply on the book Slave Testimony, which significantly affected her understanding of rest and the historical exploitation of Black bodies under enslavement. She connects this violent past with the present-day exploitation under capitalism, recognizing similar demands for overwork in her own life. Hersey is moved by the harrowing accounts of enslaved people working relentlessly, often in harsh conditions, which resonates with her own experiences of overwork. She is particularly struck by the brutal realities faced by pregnant enslaved women, who were forced to work until childbirth, often in the fields. Hersey states that this historical perspective strengthens her resolve to embrace rest as an act of resistance against the ongoing legacy of exploitation and to honor her ancestors’ struggles by refusing to perpetuate this cycle of overwork and dehumanization in her own life.

Hersey then presents starting points to foster curiosity and experimentation as she lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding of rest and its critical role in one’s life. These points serve as an invitation to rethink and redefine the concept of rest and challenges the prevailing societal norms that often devalue or overlook its importance. She begins by challenging the reader to seize moments of rest without waiting for the perfect circumstances and suggests that rest should be a consistent and integral part of life. She stresses that everyone deserves rest inherently, without needing to justify it through labor or productivity. This idea serves as a foundation for a broader discussion on how societal constructs, particularly capitalism, have led to a collective undervaluing of rest, equating idleness with laziness, and thus moral failure

The author also introduces the concept of the body as a “site of liberation” (148), asserting that physical presence in any space can be an opportunity to engage in restful practices. This notion extends to the rejection of productivity as a measure of personal value, urging a shift away from a capitalist mindset that equates worth with work output. It calls for a deep examination of how societal norms and expectations have shaped our understanding of productivity and rest.

Hersey additionally invites deprogramming from societal conditioning around the value of work and presents rest as crucial for developing a healthier relationship with work. She argues that societal narratives have led to a toxic relationship with work, where personal value is tied to productivity, which has resulted in a dismissal of rest as unnecessary or unproductive. This toxic mindset is further criticized for being part of a larger system of oppression, including grind culture, which the author describes as a form of violence.

Hersey furthermore suggests practical steps for integrating rest into daily life and advocates for flexibility and self-compassion in developing rest practices. She encourages finding rest in various environments, recognizing the healing power of silence, engaging in physical relaxation through baths and stretching, and disconnecting from digital distractions. She also recommends establishing nap rituals and rest habits tailored to individual needs, which help promote a personal and introspective approach to rest.

Hersey asserts that rest challenges the capitalist system’s exploitation and commodification of human labor and time. By embracing rest, individuals resist the relentless demand to produce and consume, thereby rejecting the capitalist values that prioritize profit over human well-being. In critiquing the capitalist framework, Hersey also touches on the broader implications of a society that marginalizes rest, linking it to issues of white supremacy and patriarchal structures. At the end, Hersey calls for a collective reimagining of rest, not as a luxury or privilege but as a basic right and a necessary condition for genuine wellness and justice: “Our resistance is the balm for a deeply traumatized world” (155).