Rest is a Necessity, Not a Luxury
Everything we know about rest has been tainted by the brainwashing from a white supremacist, capitalist system. As a culture, we don’t know how to rest, and our understanding of rest has been influenced by the toxicity of grind culture. We believe rest is a luxury, privilege, and an extra treat we can give to ourselves after suffering from exhaustion and sleep deprivation. Rest isn’t a luxury, but an absolute necessity if we’re going to survive and thrive. Rest isn’t an afterthought, but a basic part of being human. Rest is a divine right. Rest is a human right. We come into the world prepared to love, care, and rest. The systems kill us slowly via capitalism and white supremacy. Rest must interrupt. Like hope, rest is disruptive, it allows space for us to envision new possibilities. We must reimagine rest within a capitalist system.
—TRICIA HERSHEY
(Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto, Little, Brown Spark)
Questions for Reflection
n How has the pressure to “do more” affected your mental health? In what ways might embracing rest as a divine right bring healing to your mind and spirit?
n Scripture often speaks of God offering rest to the weary. How can prayer, scripture, or spiritual practices help you reframe rest as a necessary part of mental health care?
n What barriers prevent you from resting or caring for your mental health? How might your communities support you or others in overcoming these challenges?
n How can you create a balance between ministry, community care, and personal mental health? What practices might help you sustain this balance?
n In the face of systems that harm mental health, such as capitalism and white supremacy, how can we as Catholics advocate for practices and policies that prioritize mental well-being for all?
LOOKING BACK
Sacred Salmon Campaign – R.U.N. in Unity 2024
IPJC staff Sheila Edwards and Will Rutt traveled to Kennewick, Washington were able to attend the 2nd annual R.U.N. in Unity Conference hosted by the Nez Perce tribe focused on salmon, orca, and river recovery. Highlights included conversations with partners like Se Si Le, Khimstonek, Save Our Wild Salmon, and Earth Ministry; a visit to the REACH Museum; and hearing from community leaders of the Elwha and Klamath dam removal projects. Stay tuned for upcoming Sacred Salmon Campaign events and opportunities!
Youth Action Team – Fall Semester
The Youth Action Team hosted over 110 one-to-one conversations this fall and based on their listening and the lived experience of the interns the group will focus on immigration justice this coming spring. Be on the look out for upcoming events!