It feels almost impossible sometimes, doesn’t it? The news headlines. The violence. The relentless pace of life. The attacks on humanity, on our people, on the very values that make us whole.
When the world feels like it’s on fire, the idea of slowing down, of resting, of simply “chilling,” can feel selfish. Out of touch. Like a luxury we don’t deserve when so much suffering is happening around us.
But the truth is...rest is not avoidance, it’s resistance.
We cannot pour from an empty cup. We cannot show up for justice, for our families, for our communities, if we’re running on fumes. Our nervous systems were never designed to absorb this much chaos without pause.
Taking time to breathe, to meditate, to stretch, to laugh with loved ones, to turn inward and rest aren’t acts of disengagement. They’re acts of preservation. They’re what keep us from breaking under the weight of it all.
Audre Lorde said it best: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
When we allow ourselves to slow down, we give our bodies and minds space to heal. From that healing comes clarity. From that clarity comes strength.
Rest becomes a strategy.
Stillness becomes a shield.
Joy becomes fuel.
Protecting Our Energy
Simple practices can help:
- Pausing for five deep breaths before opening the news.
- Setting aside moments in the day to disconnect and just be.
- Creating rituals: lighting incense, journaling, meditating.
- Finding a therapist that truly sees you, honors your story, understands the weight of complex-lived experiences and creates space for your healing without judgement.
Joy as Fuel
Resting, chilling, and finding joy are not distractions from the work. They are the fuel for the work. Without them, burnout is inevitable. With them, we can return to the fight replenished, with steady hands and a grounded heart.
So yes, we make time to chill. Because we cannot heal the world while ignoring our own healing.
✨ If you’re looking for a space to practice this kind of rest, I’d love to welcome you to my guided meditation sessions or invite you to explore ritual tools in THV store. Both are created with the intention of helping you breathe deeper, ground yourself, and carry light even in heavy times.
Peace within,
Jen
“I have come to believe… that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood.” ~ Audre Lorde
Affirmations for Protection & Grounding
- I am allowed to rest, even in the midst of chaos.
- My energy is sacred; I choose where and how I give it.
- I create space for my healing, knowing it strengthens my community...my people.
- Stillness is my power. Joy is my resistance.
- I honor my lived experiences and give myself permission to rest...to thrive.