Dear friends,
In 2021, the National Institutes of Health published a study about the essential importance of taking breaks when learning or practicing a skill. It seems that our brains need breaks to form new memories or to reinforce neural pathways to support learning.
I thought about this study as Nickey Nesbeth, the Executive Director of the Caribbean Youth Club, made a presentation to MIC Partners titled, “Radical Rest and Resistance: Self-Care in Times of Hostility.” She delved into the fascinating and disturbing history of how European capitalism introduced a mechanistic and exploitative ideology that rest was “unproductive” or “inefficient.” It took the labor movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries to establish the 8-hour day and child labor protections. This anti-rest ideology is still prevalent in our culture. Celebrities and fitness influencers tout the value of getting up at 2:30 am or 3:30 am. A legendary football coach had a mantra posted above the entrance of his team’s locker room, “No days off!”
Nickey presented an alternative vision of rest that was based upon 6 dimensions:
- Mental rest– brief breaks from demanding cognitive output
- Physical rest– allowing the body to recover
- Spiritual rest– reconnecting to a higher power or authentic selves through prayer and meditation
- Sensory rest– time away from our cell phones and digital technology
- Creative rest– re-engaging with our soul through the arts
- Emotional rest- taking breaks from the emotional rollercoaster of our relationships.
Given the current demands of our work, we need radical rest to strengthen our resistance to the unjust forces affecting our immigrant families. We do them no service by burning out or not taking the time for deep self-care. Science and spiritual traditions emphasize the immense importance of rest.
In the final days of summer and the coming months, I hope you take the time for radical rest. Your family, friends, and colleagues need the best version of you.
In solidarity,
Frank DeVito
Executive Director
