Radical rest: Celebrate Juneteenth by honoring rest.
Rest is sacred. Rest is radical. Let’s cancel grind culture. Grind culture is not meant for black people. Especially black women. Our ancestors were enslaved and were never afforded the opportunity to rest. Let’s honor them by taking time to intentionally get the rest we need and care for ourselves. Keep reading if you are looking for ideas to take care of yourself this Juneteenth.
Live that Hygge life
“Hygge” (pronounced: hoo-ga) is a danish concept that essentially means cozy and enjoying the simple things in life. Sitting on the couch with a cup of tea while reading a book or watching netflix is very hygge. Light your favorite candle, throw on your favorite “around the house” clothes and chill. If you’re feeling social, invite some friends over for some coffee and conversation.
Take a luxurious bath or shower
Open up that new shower gel or bubble bath gel and run a relaxing bath or take a cleansing shower. I have a bluetooth shower speaker and I love to listen to a relaxing playlist or podcast. Let the water run on your back in the shower and do a mindfulness exercise imagining your worries or fears going down the drain. Light a candle and sit back with your favorite book in the tub.
Enjoy a slow morning
Spend a couple of beats before your feet hits the floor wrapped underneath your covers. Give yourself a full body stretch. Journal and read the bible. We usually are in a rush to get our day started so instead take this time to really savor every moment in bed.
Read that book
I have a pile of magazines that I haven’t had the chance to flip through and I have books piling up that I haven’t cracked open yet. Use the time today to finally do that. It’s such a leisure that we take for granted.
I hope you have a beautiful and restful Juneteenth. We owe that to our ancestors. Let me know in the comments what your Juneteenth plans are!