Welcome Changemakers,
My name is Steph and this is a meditation for permission to rest.
Take a moment to settle into your seat wherever you are and feel your connection to the ground beneath you or feel your connection to the chair that supports you.
Close your eyes softly or allow them to gaze downward if that feels more comfortable.
Just allow yourself to drop into this moment of stillness.
For those of you who fight for justice,
Who create art that awakens,
Who educate the minds of the future,
Who share truth through your lens,
Who heal the wounds of the world,
Who see potential where others falter,
You are vital.
You are the catalysts for a better world,
But even the most potent catalysts need time for rest.
The fire within you burns bright,
But it cannot burn forever without fuel.
So right now,
I invite you to take a deep breath in through your nose,
Just filling your belly with air and hold it for a moment,
Feeling the life force invigorate you.
And now exhale slowly,
Releasing any tension or worry that you may be carrying,
Just give yourself permission to set it down.
Imagine yourself standing at the edge of a vast ocean.
The waves crash and surge,
A constant reminder of the work that needs to be done,
And yet the tide also pulls back,
Revealing smooth,
Wet sand.
This is the space of rest.
It's not an escape from the ocean,
But it's a necessary part of its rhythm.
Can you feel the warm sand beneath your feet?
Can you hear the gentle lapping of the waves at your ankles?
This is your permission to step back from the surge.
You're not abandoning the work,
You're allowing yourself to be renewed by the work.
Let go of the self-imposed pressure to constantly be on.
Let go of the guilt that may arise when you prioritize rest.
And remember that a well-rested changemaker is a more effective changemaker.
Their voice is stronger,
Their vision clearer,
And their hearts more open to compassion and connection.
Now take another deep breath in,
Filling your body with the permission to just rest.
This permission comes from a deep well of self-love and understanding.
You are so worthy of rest,
Just as deserving as any other.
As you exhale,
Feel the tension in your shoulders soften.
Feel the tightness in your jaw release,
And allow your body to sink deeper into relaxation.
Let the rhythm of your breath become your anchor.
With each inhale,
You gather strength.
With each exhale,
You release any resistance to rest.
When you feel ready,
Gently bring your awareness back to your surroundings.
Wiggle your fingers and toes,
And take a deep cleansing breath.
Maybe rolling your neck,
Shrugging your shoulders,
Inviting in any movements that feels good.
And when you are ready,
You can open your eyes slowly,
Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
In those moments when you feel you can't afford the time for rest,
Remind yourself that you are not just a force for good in the world.
You are also a vessel that needs to be cared for.
And by prioritizing rest,
You honor yourself,
And ultimately,
The cause that you fight for.
May you rest deeply and return to your work with renewed passion.
