Nighty Night

“We must believe we are worthy of rest. We don’t have to earn it. It is our birthright. It is one of our most ancient and primal needs.” -Tricia Hersey

I'm not even gonna front. I'm exhausted. I challenged myself to write and post daily during the month of July. And I'm trying. But I can't be certain that I'm stringing together coherent thoughts tonight.

I've had a busy week and I haven't kept up with my sleep routine. Today I cleaned out a garage in Georgia's relentless heat and humidity. That was the final straw.

I don't need final straws to signal that it's time to sleep. I am worthy of rest regardless of my scheduled activities.

Earlier this week I attended Daughters of the Yam, an online community gathering for Black women. The facilitator, Briana Jenkins is a trauma-informed yoga instructor. She challenged us to practice Shavasana throughout the week.

Shavasana involves lying on your back with arms and legs relaxed and eyes closed. It is usually reserved for the end of a yoga session. You spend 55 minutes exerting yourself to receive a five-minute rest. I'm sure that is not the intent of the practice but it can certainly be misrepresented. We are so accustomed to thinking we have to earn a break. We think rest comes only after strenuous work.

Briana's teachings were different. Shavasana was the only pose we did. It was the only pose we were instructed to practice this week. It's as if rest and relaxation are the starting points. I appreciated the reframe.

I am going to bed earlier tonight. I have unapologetically been in my pajamas since 7:30 p.m. Teeth are brushed and bonnet is on. Tomorrow's schedule is clear. I'm going to get my rest.

Categories: : Wellness