Sunny Notes: 09.09.26 - Rest and Its Rewards

Last Sunday's service on "Rest and Its Rewards" was inspired by the work of theologian, poet and community organizer Tricia Hersey, founder of "The Nap Ministry," and author of the book Rest Is Resistance.  Her book explores the roots and internalization of grind culture, as well as arguing that, within a system that often values us and sees our worth as measured by our productivity and money, to rest is an act of resistance.

Hersey began developing her "Rest Is Resistance" framework while she was an over-worked and under-rested divinity school student at Emory University, whose days typically began at 5am, ended at midnight, and included some combination of classes, a job, an unpaid internship, time on public transit, raising a six-year-old, and studying.  Her rest practice was born out of sleep deprivation and desperation, beginning with 15-minute catnaps here and there, sky-gazing moments on breaks, and breathing exercises.  Connecting with her body and listening to its needs, her practice grew from there.  And so did her framework, evolving to include one of its primary tenets: "Our bodies are a site of liberation."  In Hersey's words, "our bodies know."

I agree.  In my coaching tradition with Dr. Martha Beck, one of the foundational tools we learn is called "The Body Compass."  In the same way Hersey was tuning into her body's wisdom to disrupt grind culture, The Body Compass is an exercise designed to allow us to connect to and hear the body's wisdom. It is premised on the idea that while the mind may be prone to limiting and painful beliefs, loops of unhealthy rumination, and cultural programming (e.g., believing grind culture's myth that we are worth more when we do more and achieve more), the body is the ultimate truth teller.  Think Alice Miller's The Body Never Lies and Bessel van der Kolk's The Body Keeps the Score.  

I hope to find a spot to share The Body Compass tool at BUF at some point this year, whether in a service or elsewhere.  In the meantime, we are beginning a new congregational year and making the turn into fall. As kids return to school, as schedules become susceptible to filling up with commitments and holiday plans, and even as you peruse the Connection Carnival on Sunday, September 13 to see all the fun and meaningful ways to get connected at BUF, I invite you to listen to your body.  What feels life-giving and what doesn't?  What do you feel drawn to, and what feels more like obligation?  Remember Hersey's words: "our bodies know."

Here's to centering rest and ease even amidst what promises to be a fun and busy fall, Rev. Sunny, minister