Rest for Resistance: Redefining Rest as an Act of Resistance

In our culture of productivity and success, rest is often neglected. However, organizations like Rest for Resistance are shedding light on the importance of rest for our mental and physical well-being. Founded by Dom Chatterjee, Rest for Resistance is a platform for queer and trans people of color (QTPOC) to share their stories and experiences with mental health and self-care.

Rest for Resistance: Transforming QTPoC Mental Health

Rest for Resistance evolved from QTPoC Mental Health, a peer support group created by Chatterjee in 2015. This Brooklyn-based group aimed to address the unique challenges faced by QTPOC living at the intersection of racism and LGBTQ+ discrimination.

The Birth of Rest for Resistance: Navigating Loss and Personal Frustrations

In 2017, after two years of running QTPoC Mental Health without funding, Chatterjee's income as an editor and ghostwriter came to an end. This event sparked the genesis of Rest for Resistance. Motivated by their frustrations with the publishing industry and the silencing of QTPOC voices, Chatterjee built a website where QTPOC could share their writing and art about mental health without facing gatekeeping from non-POC editors. Thus, Rest for Resistance emerged as a platform for QTPOC storytelling and healing.

Rest as Resistance: Beyond Work and Leisure

The concept of rest as an act of resistance is central to Rest for Resistance's work. Chatterjee's personal experience as a non-binary individual provided a unique perspective on nonduality, emphasizing the significance of balance between work and rest. By reframing rest as resistance, Chatterjee and their team empower QTPOC to prioritize self-care and challenge the binary divide between work and leisure.

Recognizing and Nurturing Your Need for Rest

Chatterjee emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing our need for rest. Rest is personal and individual, varying from person to person. It's a state of being that goes beyond the absence of work or activity. For some, it may be found through embodied movement, while for others, it might be found in meditation or activities like swimming or rock-climbing.

The Power of Reflection and New Year's Resolutions

Chatterjee acknowledges the significance of reflection and personal growth. They see New Year's resolutions as an opportunity for peaceful reflection and setting intentions for the future. This annual period of introspection, whether it aligns with the Gregorian New Year or other cultural traditions, is an opportunity to review the past and set goals in a way that aligns with personal healing and growth.

QTPoC Meditation: Expanding the Scope of Rest for Resistance

Rest for Resistance expanded its reach through QTPoC Meditation, a Zoom-based initiative offering stillness and movement practices specifically for members of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. These gatherings provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to connect with themselves and their community. While Chatterjee highlights the unique energy of in-person gatherings, they embrace the opportunities presented by virtual platforms to connect with a broader audience.

Flourishing in the Years Ahead: A Vision for a Thriving Future

Chatterjee expresses optimism for the future of Rest for Resistance. They envision a future where the organization can demonstrate the transformation from barely surviving to truly thriving. They hope to flourish in the years ahead and continue providing support and resources for QTPOC communities.

How to Get Involved and Learn More

To learn more about Rest for Resistance or get involved, visit their website. The website serves as a platform for storytelling and healing, with personal narratives from QTPOC individuals. Chatterjee highlighted that they are preparing for future growth and development, seeking collaborations for events and calls for writing and art submissions.