Radical Rest Can Change Our Lives

Lou Thomas, a passionate advocate for inclusive wellness and a prominent figure in the Heart and Bones online yoga studio, brings a fresh perspective on rest and its profound impact. In an enlightening discussion with Brea Johnson, Lou digs into into the concept of "radical rest," which transcends physical relaxation, addressing systemic issues that contribute to our collective exhaustion.

What is Radical Rest

Radical rest, as Lou explains, challenges more than just our personal habits—it confronts the very systems that perpetuate stress and inequality. Rooted in social activism, this philosophy advocates for a rest that is both regenerative and revolutionary, aiming to dismantle the structural barriers that prevent true relaxation and wellness. Lou discusses the necessity of understanding rest not just as a personal indulgence but as a communal need that intersects with issues of social justice and equity.

Lou emphasizes, "It's about pulling people onto the riverbank, rather than treating symptoms without acknowledging the cause." This metaphor brings home the importance of proactive measures in wellness, highlighting the need to address the root causes of stress and exhaustion that are often linked to systemic issues such as racism, sexism, and economic inequality.

Further expanding on this theme, Lou points out that "Rest is not just a biological need but also a political statement against the glorification of busyness and productivity that capitalism insists upon." By promoting radical rest, Lou encourages a departure from societal norms that value productivity over wellbeing, advocating for a culture that prioritizes rest as essential to both personal and societal health.

This transformative approach to rest challenges individuals to rethink their daily routines and societal norms, fostering a culture where rest is viewed as vital to resisting and reshaping the oppressive systems that govern our lives.

Understanding Systemic Influences on Wellbeing

In the interview with Brea, Lou goes over the systemic influences that impinge on our wellbeing, underscoring that true rest and health cannot be achieved in isolation from the societal conditions that shape our lives. By identifying how systems of power and inequality directly impact individual and collective well-being, Lou positions rest as a radical form of resistance to these oppressive structures.

Lou elaborates, "We need to understand that our exhaustion is not a personal failing but a symptom of broader societal issues." This perspective challenges the notion that rest is merely a matter of personal choice, highlighting it as a necessity that is often obstructed by external pressures and expectations.

She further argues that "the pursuit of rest intersects with issues of racial, gender, and economic justice." This acknowledgment frames rest as a deeply political issue, where the ability to rest is not equally available to all individuals. The unequal distribution of rest and relaxation reflects and reinforces existing social inequalities, making the fight for fair and equitable access to rest a crucial part of broader social justice efforts.

By promoting an understanding of these systemic issues, Lou encourages us to engage with rest not only as a means to recover from personal fatigue but as an active, collective act of liberation. This reframing invites individuals and communities to challenge and change the oppressive systems that dictate how and when rest can be accessed, fostering a more equitable society where well-being is a shared priority.

Create a Restful Environment: Ensure your physical surroundings support your ability to rest. This might include:

• Designing a comfortable, quiet space in your home dedicated to relaxation.
• Reducing noise and distractions that can impede your ability to unwind.

Educate and Advocate: Share the concept of radical rest within your community to help others recognize its importance. Lou encourages:

• Organizing community discussions about the impact of societal pressures on individual rest.
• Advocating for policies that support work-life balance and access to leisure for all community members.

By using these methods, you can begin to make rest an important part of your life. This also challenges the systems that make it hard for many to rest. Lou emphasizes that these steps are not just for personal health, but also to stand against a system that doesn't value individual health and happiness.

Lou Thomas invites us to embrace radical rest not only as a personal practice but as a powerful tool for social change. By understanding and addressing the systemic barriers to rest, we can begin to cultivate a more equitable world where wellness is accessible to all. Lou's teachings remind us that in the act of resting, we are not only caring for ourselves but also challenging the norms that restrict our collective well-being .

About Lou

Lou Thomas is a dedicated yoga teacher and embodiment specialist based in Brighton, UK. Their work is deeply rooted in accessibility, trauma-informed approaches, and intersectional anti-oppression, focusing on empowering the LGBTQIA+ community. Lou's classes and workshops are designed to be accessible and playful, providing a safe space for individuals to explore their bodies and identities in a supportive environment.

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If you're inspired by the conversation they had with Brea and looking to deepen your practice of radical rest, you can find Lou teaching classes at Heart + Bones Online yoga school, including a 60-minute radical rest class.