Podcast Summary: UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE - Episode 29: "Dream. Rest. Disrupt. Repeat." ft. Virginia Cumberbatch

Release Date: April 22, 2025
Guest: Virginia Cumberbatch
Host: Shelah Marie

Introduction

In Episode 29 of UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE, host Shelah Marie engages in a profound conversation with Virginia Cumberbatch, a globally recognized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategist, racial justice educator, and author. The episode delves into the intricate relationship between rest, resistance, and personal well-being, particularly for Black women navigating a late-stage capitalistic society.

Icebreakers and Personal Rebellions

Shelah begins the episode by inviting Virginia to share her most recent act of rebellion rooted in joy or play.

• Virginia [05:02]: "I joined an indoor co-ed soccer league in January. Playing with 20-year-olds felt out of place at first, but it became a fun outlet for my rage and exhaustion. It was rebellious in reshaping the myth of where I belong and what is appropriate for me."

Shelah relates by mentioning her own experience of hesitating to take up pickleball lessons due to self-doubt, highlighting the theme of self-imposed limitations.

Redefining Rest as a Radical Act

The core of the conversation revolves around redefining rest beyond conventional notions of naps or passive relaxation.

• Shelah [01:18]: "We're talking about deep rest, not just naps. We're talking about rest as a radical, necessary act in our lives."

Virginia emphasizes that rest should be integrated into daily life as an act of resistance against oppressive systems:

• Virginia [10:32]: "Rest in the midst of our resistance. Even as we disrupt systems of oppression, we can and should maintain our joy and wholeness." ([10:32])

She further explains the historical context of Black resistance, noting how practices of joy and rest have always been integral, even in the direst circumstances:

• Virginia [13:10]: "On plantations, we created song, gospel, and art as forms of resistance. Similarly, today, we find ways to embed rest and joy into our acts of disrupting oppressive systems." ([13:10])

Challenging the DEI Narrative

The discussion shifts to the effectiveness and limitations of current DEI efforts within institutions.

• Virginia [19:58]: "DEI has become a proxy for deeper issues like racial justice. While metrics show some progress, systemic problems like poverty and maternal health disparities remain unaddressed." ([19:58])

Shelah brings up the criticism surrounding the slogan "rest is resistance," questioning its practical application.

• Virginia [22:23]: "Symbolism without sustainable systemic change renders gestures meaningless. We need real shifts, not just performative actions." ([23:24])

Rosa Rebellion: Creative Activism for Equity

Virginia introduces Rosa Rebellion, her platform for creative activism aimed at amplifying the voices of women of color.

• Virginia [57:02]: "Rosa Rebellion was birthed from the need to support Black and Brown women in creative activism, offering storytelling incubators and well-being resources to sustain their essential work." ([57:02])

She details the organization's programs:

1. Writing Retreat and Storytelling Incubator: In partnership with Soho House and Vox Media, selecting women of color to develop their storytelling for racial justice.
2. Rebel Unrest: Supporting BIPOC activists with resources for restoration and well-being.

Practical Tools for Rest and Resistance

The conversation transitions to actionable strategies for integrating rest into daily life, especially for those who feel they cannot afford to rest due to various life demands.

• Virginia [43:24]: "Redefine what rest looks like for you. It doesn't have to be passive; it can be an active practice of care, like cooking a nourishing meal or spending time with loved ones." ([43:24])

Shelah echoes the importance of creating space for spontaneity and self-care:

• Shelah [09:17]: "Sometimes the most powerful aha moments happen when we're doing something aimless." ([09:17])

Virginia introduces the concept of "permission" as a crucial step towards embracing rest:

• Virginia [52:22]: "Permission has been my guiding word. Giving ourselves permission to experience joy and rest is foundational." ([52:22])

She shares a personal ritual that exemplifies this practice:

• Virginia [63:07]: "Making tea in the morning serves as a daily reminder to take up space and reconnect with myself and God." ([63:07])

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Shelah and Virginia reflect on the importance of evolving practices of rest that align with personal and community well-being.

• Shelah [63:07]: "Rest isn't just about taking a break. It's about reclaiming your time and energy." ([63:07])

Virginia emphasizes continuous evolution in self-care practices, encouraging listeners to find what resonates best with their current life seasons.

• Virginia [66:49]: "Rest practices can and should evolve as you do, adapting to different seasons of your life." ([66:49])

Shelah leaves the audience with an empowering message to share and implement the discussed strategies:

• Shelah [67:12]: "Give yourself permission to rest in whatever way works for you. Share this episode and keep the conversation going." ([67:12])

Key Takeaways

1. Rest as Resistance: Integrate rest into daily life as a form of resistance against oppressive systems, maintaining joy and well-being.
2. Redefining Rest: Move beyond traditional notions of rest. It can be active and varied, tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
3. Systemic Change Over Slogans: Emphasize sustainable systemic changes over performative gestures within DEI initiatives.
4. Creative Activism: Support and engage in creative forms of activism that amplify marginalized voices and foster equity.
5. Permission and Evolving Practices: Grant yourself permission to rest and allow your practices to evolve with your life's seasons.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Virginia [05:02]:
  "Joining a soccer league was rebellious in reshaping the myth of where I belong and what is appropriate for me."

• Virginia [10:32]:
  "Rest in the midst of our resistance. Even as we disrupt systems of oppression, we can and should maintain our joy and wholeness."

• Virginia [19:58]:
  "DEI has become a proxy for deeper issues like racial justice. While metrics show some progress, systemic problems like poverty and maternal health disparities remain unaddressed."

• Virginia [22:23]:
  "Symbolism without sustainable systemic change renders gestures meaningless. We need real shifts, not just performative actions."

• Virginia [52:22]:
  "Permission has been my guiding word. Giving ourselves permission to experience joy and rest is foundational."

• Virginia [63:07]:
  "Making tea in the morning serves as a daily reminder to take up space and reconnect with myself and God."

• Virginia [66:49]:
  "Rest practices can and should evolve as you do, adapting to different seasons of your life."

Further Resources

• Follow Virginia Cumberbatch:

  • Instagram: @VA Cumberbatch
  • Rosa Rebellion: Rosa Rebellion

• Learn More About Shelah Marie:

  • Website: shelahmarie.com

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