“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education,” Dr. King once said. Today, we might add: “Rest plus purpose—that is the foundation of true revolution.”
In a society that glorifies the grind, celebrates burnout, and turns exhaustion into a badge of honor, choosing to rest isn’t just an act of self-care—it’s a revolutionary stance. This truth echoes particularly deeply in Black communities, where the expectation to work twice as hard is deeply rooted in historical inequality.
Historical Context: The Denied Right to Rest during Slavery and Jim Crow; rest was literally criminalized for Black Americans. “Loitering” laws targeted those who dared to take a moment’s pause. Even during the Civil Rights Movement, activists faced criticism not just for their protests, but for any moments of joy or rest they claimed. When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other civil rights leaders gathered for leisure, they were often surveilled and criticized. Yet they understood that rest wasn’t just personal—it was political.
Breaking Free from the Hustle As Dr. King reminded us, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” Today’s hustle culture isn’t just exhausting—it’s perpetuating systems of inequality. When we’re too tired to think, too busy to organize, too exhausted to resist, the status quo wins.
Practical Rest Revolution Tips:
- Set Sacred Rest Boundaries
- Establish non-negotiable rest periods
- Create “No-Phone Sundays”
- Define your “minimum effective rest dose”
- Practice Intentional Leisure
- Schedule joy like you schedule meetings
- Create rest rituals (morning meditation, evening walks)
- Find your rest community
- Reframe Rest Language
- Replace “I’m being lazy” with “I’m practicing self-preservation”
- Switch “I should be working” to “I’m investing in my wellbeing”
- Transform “wasting time” into “building resilience”
The Revolutionary Power of Community Rest
Dr. King said, “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” When we gather to rest collectively, we’re not just taking a break—we’re making history. We’re declaring that our PEACE matters, our JOY matters, our COMMUNITY matters.
Rest as Resistance
When we choose to rest, we’re:
- Honoring our ancestors who were denied this basic human right
- Modeling healthy boundaries for future generations
- Creating space for creativity and innovation
- Building stronger, more resilient communities
As Dr. King proclaimed, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Today, we proclaim that rest matters. Join the Rest Revolution.
This MLK Day, we’re turning this vision into reality with community building, live performances, unity in motion, and good vibes. Because revolution doesn’t always require marching—sometimes it requires mimosas, meditation, and meaningful connection.
In the spirit of Dr. King’s vision of the beloved community, this event creates space for both rest and connection. As he taught us, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” Join us as we weave together rest, resistance, and revolution—one peaceful moment at a time.
Because in a world that never stops, choosing peace is our most powerful protest.
Get your ticket and more information about the Unfazed and Unbothered brunch here.
