Podcast Summary: "No More Grind: How to Finally Rest with Tricia Hersey (Best Of)"

Episode Information

• Title: No More Grind: How to Finally Rest with Tricia Hersey (Best Of)
• Host/Authors: Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Amanda Doyle
• Guest: Tricia Hersey
• Release Date: March 23, 2025
• Podcast: We Can Do Hard Things
• Description: This episode delves into the intricate relationship between grind culture, capitalism, and white supremacy. Tricia Hersey, founder of the NAP Ministry and author of Rest is Resistance, a Manifesto, explores how intentional rest serves as a powerful form of resistance against oppressive systems.

1. Introduction to Tricia Hersey and Her Work

The episode begins with Abby Wambach introducing Tricia Hersey, highlighting her extensive background as a multidisciplinary artist, writer, theologian, and community organizer. Tricia is recognized for her pioneering work with the NAP Ministry, which emphasizes rest as a form of resistance and reparations. Her book, Rest is Resistance, a Manifesto, serves as a foundational text for understanding the transformative power of rest in dismantling oppressive structures.

Notable Quote:

Tricia Hersey [03:23]: "Thank you. I love that good bio, Reid."

2. Defining Grind Culture: Capitalism and White Supremacy

Tricia Hersey explicates grind culture as a synergy between capitalism and white supremacy. She traces capitalism's origins to plantation slavery, emphasizing that it was built on viewing human bodies as mere tools for profit. This dehumanizing perspective extends to modern corporations, perpetuating an unsustainable pace of work that disregards human well-being.

Notable Quote:

Tricia Hersey [06:13]: "Grind culture is the same energy, the same ideology that was on those plantations. Work all the time, have four or five jobs plus a side hustle, have your hobbies as a way to make money. Never rest, never."

3. Rest as a Form of Resistance and Liberation

Rest is framed not merely as a personal necessity but as a collective act of defiance against oppressive systems. By choosing to rest, individuals reject the notion of being perpetual workers and reclaim their humanity. Tricia emphasizes that rest disrupts the narrative that human bodies are machines, fostering a reconnection with one's divine essence.

Notable Quotes:

Tricia Hersey [14:51]: "It's purposeful that the exhaustion and inability to imagine is dangerous."

Tricia Hersey [15:01]: "Resting is a spiritual practice. It connects you."

4. The Power of Imagination in Liberation

Imagination is heralded as a critical tool for envisioning and actualizing a liberated existence. Drawing inspiration from bell Hooks, Tricia asserts that imagining new realities is essential for breaking free from the constraints imposed by oppressive systems. This creative envisioning fosters hope and paves the way for tangible change.

Notable Quote:

Tricia Hersey [15:05]: "Imagination is our greatest tool because the world that we live in now was imagined and thought of by people. We can imagine a new way."

5. Personal and Historical Narratives of Rest

Tricia shares poignant personal stories alongside historical examples to illustrate the transformative power of rest. She recounts watching her grandmother gracefully rest amidst extreme adversity, embodying resistance through moments of stillness. The discussion also touches upon Harriet Tubman's strategic pauses during the Underground Railroad, demonstrating how intentional rest facilitated resilience and success in the face of relentless oppression.

Notable Quotes:

Tricia Hersey [40:34]: "It's very dangerous. We're easier to manipulate when you're like exhausted and don't have time to think."

Tricia Hersey [58:19]: "To be human is to know that you are divine, is to know that the person next to you is a divine being."

6. Overcoming Fear and Letting Go of Perfectionism

Rejecting grind culture entails confronting deep-seated fears and the ingrained pursuit of perfectionism. Tricia discusses the anxiety associated with abandoning the relentless pursuit of productivity, emphasizing that letting go is an act of courage. By "letting the chips fall where they may," individuals embrace imperfection and prioritize well-being over societal expectations.

Notable Quote:

Tricia Hersey [52:13]: "Yes, it is very courageous."

7. Practical Strategies for Incorporating Rest

Tricia offers actionable steps to integrate rest into daily life, emphasizing gradual deprogramming from grind culture. Strategies include setting clear boundaries, scheduling rest days, and redefining rest beyond conventional definitions (e.g., not just taking naps but engaging in activities like prayer, art, or simply being present). She advocates for community care, highlighting that collective efforts are essential for sustaining individual rest practices.

Notable Quotes:

Tricia Hersey [29:18]: "Rest is a generative state. You generate ideas. You are connecting with your body."

Tricia Hersey [40:45]: "Start with it. 10 minutes a day of just sitting and resting."

8. Collective Liberation and Community Care

The episode underscores the importance of collective action in achieving liberation. Tricia argues that true freedom cannot be attained in isolation; it requires communal support and shared practices of rest. By fostering community care, individuals not only nurture their own well-being but also contribute to dismantling oppressive systems collectively.

Notable Quote:

Tricia Hersey [46:48]: "It's for everyone who needs to disrupt and push back and heal from white supremacy and capitalism."

9. Embracing Radical Faith and Trusting the Process

Tricia integrates the concept of radical faith into her philosophy, urging listeners to trust in the divine timing of their lives and the inherent power within themselves. She acknowledges the slow and ongoing nature of liberation work, advocating for patience and sustained effort. This trust in the process helps mitigate fears of irrelevance or failure, reinforcing the necessity of persistence in resistance.

Notable Quotes:

Tricia Hersey [63:02]: "Radical faith, faith work. It's radical, trusting work."

Tricia Hersey [67:24]: "Liberation is a process. It's ongoing. It's always happening."

10. Conclusion: A Call to Action and Collective Effort

The episode concludes with a motivational call to action, encouraging listeners to reimagine rest as a central pillar of their lives and activism. Tricia Hersey emphasizes that this redefinition of rest is not just a personal shift but a movement towards collective healing and societal transformation. The hosts and Tricia reinforce the message of embracing rest as a revolutionary act, inviting listeners to join in this transformative journey.

Notable Quote:

Tricia Hersey [69:13]: "Imagine a world where you are already free. How would you act?"

Key Takeaways

1. Grind Culture's Roots: Grind culture is deeply intertwined with capitalism and white supremacy, both of which originated from and perpetuate systems of oppression.

2. Rest as Resistance: Choosing to rest serves as a powerful act of defiance against oppressive systems that devalue human well-being.

3. Imagination for Liberation: Creative envisioning of new realities is essential for breaking free from existing oppressive frameworks.

4. Personal and Historical Resistance: Historical figures and personal narratives illustrate how intentional rest and pauses have been crucial in resistance movements.

5. Overcoming Perfectionism: Letting go of the need for constant productivity requires courage and redefinition of personal success.

6. Community Care: Collective efforts and community support are vital for sustaining individual practices of rest and resistance.

7. Radical Faith: Trusting in the process and the inherent power within oneself and the community is essential for ongoing liberation work.

8. Actionable Steps: Implementing practical strategies for rest can gradually deprogram individuals from grind culture and foster personal and collective well-being.

Encouragement to Listeners

Listeners are encouraged to view rest not just as a personal necessity but as a collective act of liberation. By integrating rest into daily routines, setting boundaries, and fostering community care, individuals can contribute to dismantling the oppressive structures of grind culture. Tricia Hersey's insights provide a roadmap for transforming personal well-being into a broader movement for societal change.

Final Thought:

Tricia Hersey [69:18]: "That's the imagination work."

End of Summary