Taking A Breath

By Tavi Lorelle Carpenter

When the pandemic hit, I was part of an advocacy group with the YWCA Berkeley/Oakland and like everyone else we had to adjust from in-person to online. It also meant that the work we had planned had to be put on hold. But it also allowed for other opportunities to arise.

One of those opportunities was a very important discussion surrounding rest as a form of resistance. Originally put forth by Tricia Hersey in her book, Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto, it actively challenges the idea that worth is somehow tied into what we do and how much we do. Rather, we are enough as we are and deserving of rest. 

Oftentimes, to rest is conflated with being lazy. I know I can be very critical of myself, wondering why I am not doing more. But I realized it may be more connected to feeling uncomfortable with just being.

I was able to spend some time up in Mount Shasta recently. On the mountain, there is a profound and peaceful stillness. It was while I was up there, I started to understand on a deeper level, the meaning of being in a good way. Coming down the mountain, I’ve realized being comfortable in the stillness and silence can be challenging to hold on to when you’re not in an environment that embodies that. 

I know from my Grandma that taking time to see the profound beauty in nature helps keep me in a good way. But part of that goodness is also recognizing the lessons that can be gained. 

For this week’s post, I hope I can share some of the stillness and quiet I found through some photos taken during my time in Mount Shasta this past weekend. During these tumultuous times, I hope they help you take a moment to focus on stillness. 

Especially if you are like me and back in a city environment.