Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains references to racism, white supremacy, labor exploitation, health disparities, and racial violence.

DreamSpace refers to a mental and spiritual space where individuals can reconnect with their innermost desires, creativity, and aspirations, free from the constraints of grind culture. Tricia Hersey posits that capitalist and white supremacist systems have stolen this DreamSpace, robbing individuals, particularly those in Black communities, of the time and mental peace needed to dream, imagine, and envision a life beyond survival and labor. She describes DreamSpace as a sacred place of possibility and transformation, where one can engage with their ancestors, tap into deep wisdom, and cultivate revolutionary ideas that challenge oppressive systems. Hersey’s discussion of DreamSpace emphasizes its role in healing and resistance, asserting that reclaiming this space is essential for personal and communal liberation. By advocating for rest and disengagement from the relentless pace of productivity, Hersey encourages individuals to reclaim their DreamSpace, which can help promote a culture that values imagination, restorative rest, and spiritual connection.

Hersey conceptualizes grind culture as a societal ethos that prioritizes constant labor and productivity over individual health and well-being, deeply entwined with capitalist and white supremacist structures.