Not Just Naps: The Radical and Necessary Act of Rest
Rest Like Your Ancestors Fought For It—….
Rest isn’t just an action—it’s an act of defiance, a radical rejection of systems that tell us to keep pushing until we break. For Black people, for nurses, and for those who carry the weight of so much, rest is more than a pause. It’s survival. It’s power.
But let me be honest: I didn’t always understand rest.
A Personal Journey to Rest
Nature always been my safe space. The beach, my feet in the sand. Campfires at Camp Black in Nature. S’mores, canoeing, and forest bathing—before it even had a name. But these were just snippets. Little naps on a life that never stopped moving. Then came the heart palpitations.
Ahhh, Dr. Lee. Love me some Dr. Lee. But this particular day? She was coming for me.
“You have high blood pressure,” she said, like it was just another Tuesday.
“Me?” I shot back, side-eyeing her like she’d just told me my house was on fire. “That’s not even possible. I eat well—mostly.”
She raised a brow, her face that perfect mix of safe concern and “Lorraine, stop playing with me.”
“Uh-huh. And what about rest?” she said.
“Rest?” I repeated, stalling. “I mean, I sleep…”
She tilted her head like a referee waiting for me to confess.
“…sometimes. Okay, maybe not enough. But I exercise!”
“Meh-ish exercise doesn’t count,” she volleyed back. “I know you hike and go Snorkeling. Lorraine, but rest, are you actually resting, or are you just CHECKING BOXES?”
DAMNNNNNNN!!!
“Checking boxes,” I muttered like a kid caught sneaking cookies.
“That’s what I thought,” she said, leaning in. “So tell me, when’s the last time you truly rested?”
And there it was. I had nothing. Dr. Lee, 1. Lorraine, 0.
Sure, I thought I was resting. But what I was really doing was collapsing. And here’s the truth: most of us don’t even know what real rest feels like.
“Rest, Who gets to rest?”
And then, as if the words had traveled through time, I heard my grandmother’s voice. Her sweet voice- laughing bubbly and tender:
“It’s okay. I’m proud of you. We are all proud of you. Rest, baby, you need rest.”
And just like that, it clicked. Rest wasn’t something I had to earn. Rest was love—is love for myself, love for the ones who came before me, and love for the life I am building. That moment made me start asking questions:
Who taught me what rest is supposed to look like?
When did I give up on the idea that I deserved it?
Here’s the truth: rest was stolen from us long ago.
The Legacy of Stolen Rest and Cultural Healing
When we rest, we disrupt systems designed to keep us exhausted. Rest was stolen from our ancestors—through slavery, systemic oppression, and survival. Reclaiming rest isn’t selfish; it’s reparative. It’s honoring those who came before us and rewriting what survival looks like for the next generation.
For our enslaved ancestors, rest was forbidden—seen as a threat to production and control. They labored from sunup to sundown, robbed of the freedom to stop, to breathe, to dream. That legacy of overwork has lingered for generations, whispering, “Keep going, or you’ll fall behind.”
Choosing rest today isn’t just about self-care; it’s about reparations. It’s honoring those who never had the choice or often those who never had the chance.
Say Their Names….
Rest says: “I am not your mule.”
Rest says: “My worth is not tied to my output.”
Rest is an act of defiance, a refusal to let systems of labor and oppression steal your joy. It is you loving you.
Lessons from the Land
Nature taught me how to rest. On the farm, I’ve watched the seasons shift, the soil sleep, and the flowers bloom on their own time. The earth doesn’t apologize for its cycles. Why should we?
And… GUESS WHAT… Research backs this up. Yes, the clinical researcher in me is coming out. Research has proven, even 15 minutes outside can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and help reset your mind. Rest isn’t about giving up—it’s about creating space to thrive.
What Rest Looks Like
For me, rest looks like joy. Sometimes it’s laughing too loud while thrift shopping. It’s hiking through Montclair, or a slow sip of hibiscus tea outside, letting the sun hit my face.
Rest doesn’t have to be big or expensive. It can be as simple as:
1. Turning off your phone for an hour.
2. Sitting in silence.
3. Letting yourself say “no” to what doesn’t serve you.
Why Rest Feels Like Resistance
Rest isn’t just personal—it’s political. The systems we live in were never designed to let us stop. For Black women especially, rest goes against everything the world has conditioned us to believe. We’re taught to be strong, to carry the weight, to always be productive.
The grind is glorified, but at what cost?
The cost for me was heart palpitations and Dr. Lee asking me hard questions—I don’t want that cost for you.
The Healing Power of Rest and Nature
Nature has become my retreat. Whether it’s stepping onto the farm, wading into the ocean, or taking slow, deliberate hikes through the woods, I’ve learned to hear what my body needs. Rest feels different under the sun or with my feet in the soil. It feels intentional.
Ok, Lorraine- you're saying- blah blah- I hear you but..…..how do I start reclaiming it?
Rest is personal. I can’t and won’t tell you how to reclaim it—what I will share are some things that work well for me.
Practical Steps to Reclaim Rest
1. Take a breath outside. Step out of your house, sit on your porch, or walk around the block. Feel the air in your lungs. Look at the sun, moon, stars and say “Thank you.”
2. Give yourself permission. Say it out loud: “I deserve to rest.”
3. Redefine productivity. Resting is part of the work. Rest is purposeful—it’s not a reward after you finish everything else or that “I’ll just take a quick nap.” It makes you stronger, more present, more whole.
4. Find your space. Maybe it’s the beach, maybe it’s your garden, or like me in the ocean… maybe it’s the corner of your couch with a good book. Rest looks different for everyone.
Resources to Help You Start
• Forest Bathing: Learn the science and benefits of this mindful practice.
For generations, stepping into nature was not a privilege for Black people—it was a threat. Outdoor spaces held danger, not peace. But through groups like the Buffalo Soldiers, Outdoor Afro, Camp Black In Nature, and Black scuba divers, we’ve reclaimed what was always ours.
Forest bathing, for me, isn’t just a trendy idea—it’s a declaration. It’s standing under trees that don’t judge, breathing air that heals, and remembering that nature was never the enemy. The true threat was the narrative that told us we didn’t belong.
Ready to reclaim your place in nature? Start with a local trail, a park bench, or even your backyard. [Here’s resources to learn more.- Outdoor Afro- or come along on one of my Camp Black In Nature retreats- Discover the All Trails app- get the app discover places to hike and enjoy Nature- near and far.
• Scuba Diving for Beginners: Finding peace under the waves. - Embarking on your scuba diving journey is both exciting and transformative.
To support you, here are some beginner-friendly resources and inspiring Black and Indigenous divers to follow:
Beginner Scuba Diving Resources:
• PADI Open Water Diver Course: This globally recognized certification is your gateway to the underwater world. It covers essential skills, safety protocols, and equipment usage.
• 35 Awesome Scuba Diving Tips for Beginners: The Adventure Junkies offer practical advice to help you prepare for your diving adventures.
Communities and Organizations:
• National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABS): Established in 1991, NABS aims to foster camaraderie among Black divers and promote scuba diving within the Black community.
• Deep Blue Dive Crew: A community dedicated to closing the race and gender gap in ocean spaces, focusing on Black and Brown women divers.
• Black in Marine Science (BIMS): An organization that promotes Black marine scientists and offers programs like the BIMS Immersion Program, providing no-cost scuba diving certifications to BIPOC individuals.
Inspiring Divers to Follow:
• Kamau Sadiki: A seasoned diver featured in the documentary “Descendant,” known for his work in uncovering the wreck of The Clotilda.
• Gabby: A passionate diver who highlights the importance of representation in scuba diving and is associated with groups like Black in Marine Science and DiverSeaFy.
By connecting with these resources and individuals, you’ll find a supportive community and valuable information to guide your scuba diving journey.
• Grants for Self-Care Retreats: Explore programs for wellness and healing. For yourself and for those who want to build a community - plan a retreat.
As always do your research- here are some grant opportunities that can support wellness retreats, particularly those serving Black and Indigenous communities:
1. Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples
• Description: Offers grants to Indigenous-led initiatives focusing on community health, cultural vitality, and environmental stewardship.
• Grant Amount: Varies based on project scope.
• Application Deadline: Rolling basis until November 8, 2024.
• More Information: Seventh Generation Fund
2. BEAM’s Black Wellness Innovation Fund
• Description: Supports innovative, Black-led wellness projects within Black communities, including retreats and mental health programs.
• Grant Amount: Up to $10,000.
• Application Deadline: Currently closed; check back on May 1, 2025, for updates.
• More Information: BEAM Grants
3. Trust for the Meditation Process Grants
• Description: Provides funding for meditation courses, workshops, retreats, and related resources, supporting the teaching and practice of meditation and contemplative prayer.
• Grant Amount: Typically between $3,000 to $5,000.
• Application Deadline: Rolling; applications reviewed as received.
• More Information: Trust for Meditation Process
4. Philadelphia Foundation’s Black Community Leaders Grants
• Description: Supports Black-led organizations serving predominantly Black communities, including wellness initiatives.
• Grant Amount: Between $5,000 and $100,000, depending on organizational needs.
• Application Timeline: Next round opens in Spring 2024.
• More Information: Philadelphia Foundation Grants
5. Contemplative Changemaking Grants by Mind & Life Institute
• Description: Funds individuals and nonprofit organizations integrating contemplative practices into social change initiatives.
• Grant Amount: Up to $10,000.
• Application Timeline: Not currently accepting applications; check back on May 1, 2025, for updates.
• More Information: Mind & Life Institute Grants
6. REACH PA - The Scattergood Foundation
• Description: Supports BIPOC-led organizations focusing on harm reduction and wellness programs in Pennsylvania.
• Grant Amount: Varies based on project needs.
• Application Deadline: Check website for current deadlines.
• More Information: Scattergood Foundation
7. BIPOC Fitness Grant Program by Movement
• Description: Offers grants to female, women of color entrepreneurs and organizations committed to making health and wellness inclusive to female BIPOC communities.
• Grant Amount: Ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
• Application Deadline: Rolling.
• More Information: Vivian’s Door
Tips for Applying:
• Align Mission and Goals: Ensure your wellness retreat objectives align with the grant’s focus areas.
• Highlight Community Impact: Emphasize how your retreat will benefit Black and Indigenous communities.
• Prepare Detailed Proposals: Provide clear plans, budgets, and expected outcomes.
• Meet Deadlines: Keep track of application deadlines and submission requirements.
By exploring these opportunities and tailoring your applications to each grant’s specific criteria, you can secure funding to support and expand your wellness retreat initiatives.
• Books on Rest: Read Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey for powerful insights.
Call to Action
Take a moment today to rest. Not collapse—rest. Close your eyes. Step outside. Reclaim the time that the world keeps trying to steal from you.
Then, share your story. How do you rest? Let’s keep this conversation going.
Because we’re not just surviving. We’re thriving.
And please- go see your doctor and talk to your nurse about everything- because you matter!-
Shout out to the Dr. Lee’s of the world- they are making a difference.