Finding Rest in Capitalism

Fighting to feel abundant in a system that profits off of lack

Can we breathe together?

Inhale…

Exhale. 

I dream of living in a world where we reply, “I feel deeply rested,” when someone asks how we’re doing instead of responding with, “I feel exhausted.”  How amazing would that be to respond from a place of abundance instead of lack? But is this even possible when Capitalism does its absolute best to keep us shackled?

Resting in the softest yet stiffest grass I have ever felt while on a stunning peninsula in Grenada

Capitalism is designed to be oppressive and exhausting in nature. It’s like being stuck on a treadmill that never stops. It changes speed, interval and incline depending on its own selfish, ever-evolving strategy to divide and conquer. Having excellent health insurance for a slip off the treadmill is something the system hopes you cannot access. Capitalism loves a good fall and the money it makes profiting off of suffering.

Inhale. Exhale. We mustn’t give up.

Capitalism forces us into servitude in order to survive. You want food? Thirsty? Need a place to rest your weary bones? Dare I say enjoy some dairy-free ice cream while enjoying a movie on a streaming platform every now and then?  One must produce in order to consume. Labour is the currency. And more then likely, those who labor the most earn the least.

Bless us all.

I wish I knew why my soul chose to be birthed into this realm of existence. I fight hard not to get overwhelmed by the pressure to continuously produce and go-go-go only to feel like I’m never going fast or far enough. I’m tired of having to fight to live an abundant life based on the effortless balance of nature versus the ever-changing balance of my bank account. Capitalism is insidious.

So when and where does one rest?

Rest is the enemy of Capitalism as is being connected to nature. Why do you think everything is seedless and always genetically modified? Even food is about profit in this realm. Rest gifts us the opportunity to slow down and tune inward; to listen to the voice within, not a coworker’s 8pm email on a Sunday. Look at what Covid did for so many. The Great Resignation or The Big Quit as it was coined in 2021 changed a lot of people’s lives. According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, more than 40% of the global workforce considered quitting their job in 2021 and a record 4.5 million workers quit jobs for reasons other than retirement in March 2022. Folks were tiyaaaad (“tired” for the laymen).

The pandemic created a powerful pause for working individuals to rethink everything! An absolute nightmare for good ol’ Capitalism. Those fortunate enough were able to reflect on what really mattered. I was one of the fortunate ones. While weathering the storm of the pandemic in the stunning Caribbean country of Grenada, infused with ancestral wisdom and abundant nature, everything changed. I realized how enslaved I was to the grind culture and how detrimental it was for my wellbeing. The hustle was a normal way of being. How tragic yet ironic to work in wellness while experiencing the revelation that I was burned out. I deeply loved my work but I too was tiyaad!

What I have found over the four years of resting more than working is that rest comes at a price because capitalism is greedy and it will try to take everything from you if you do not submit. What I didn’t know was that I would feel richer than I ever have in my entire life even though my bank account has been the sacrifice. I have everything that I could have ever dreamed of: beaches, waterfalls and rivers galore. Fruit trees and 12 hours of daily sunshine. A car, a spacious home and a smart and sweet rescue dog. I have community and the most beautiful man I have ever seen with a soul that makes me heal in ways I didn’t know I needed.

I can’t count the number of times each day that I tell my dog, Prince that I love him.

Abundance oozes out of me and yet I can’t seem to fully unplug from the matrix because I also have bills to pay. Groceries alone in Grenada can cost hundreds of dollars a week if you’re not careful. Capitalism loves making us the brunt of its jokes. Nevertheless I still prioritize the balance of work and rest in this chapter of my life. Everything is unfolding as it should. What I seek is seeking me.

Rest allows us to change what doesn’t feel good, how much we work, who we work for, where we work, what we put in our bodies, etc. It creates the space needed to realign with the natural world. For instance a growing pineapple will produce what are called suckers; small plants that can also go into the earth so more pineapples can be enjoyed. How loving! Capitalism robs us of our time with loved ones, community and even our health because being overworked is the norm. How evil! Capitalism is the thief, nature is the giver. Capitalism loves individualism. Nature loves connectivity. Rest has taught me this. I am learning that wisdom is worth more than a fat bank account although both at once is ideal because…Capitalism.

So when you hear talk of rest being the revolution, perhaps it’s more about finding moments to pause in order to fight against the system. Rest is the rebellion. No more being overworked and too tired to have time to think for ourselves. We need more rested people so the Great Resignation continues. So the system crashes for good. So that can we relish in and be healed by nature. Pineapples for all!

Let nature show you how to rest

Much love to The Nap Ministry for inspiring people globally including myself to rethink what rest looks like and to wake up to the abuse that is Capitalism.

---

Let’s Practice

Enjoy this body scan, excellent for falling asleep or whenever full body rest is calling your name.

You can also listen here when on the go! Click track five, “Bedtime Slow Down”

This felt so good to write. There is soooo much more to say about Capitalism and rest. So please, share with you your thoughts and how you are finding ways to prioritize your own well-being.

Much Love, beautiful people. Thank you for being here.