Dear Colleagues and Friends,
This past weekend, I spent a few days at Kripalu, a yoga retreat center in Lenox, MA. Feeling run down, achy, and worn out from the daily news cycle and too many hours at my computer, I knew I needed a break.
I needed to rest – not just my body, but my mind and spirit. Spending a long weekend in the quiet of the Berkshires seemed like a perfect way to take care of myself. Over four days I took yoga, dance, chanting, and meditation classes. I ate delicious meals that I didn’t have to cook on dishes I didn’t have to clean. Kripalu is simple and not fancy, but my time there felt luxurious. I left my phone in my room, stayed off screens, and didn’t go shopping. I gave myself space to breathe. Being surrounded by others who were also resting felt comforting. We became a small community focused on taking care of ourselves.
I hope that over the coming holiday break that we all carve out some time for rest. Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD, author of Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, reminds us that sleep is very different from rest. In a 2021 TED Talk, she describes seven types of rest: physical, emotional, mental, social, sensory, creative, and spiritual rest. In 2016, Tricia Hersey founded the Nap Ministry, an organization that examines the liberating power of naps. Her mantra, “rest is resistance,” is a counter-narrative to the break-neck and punishing pace of American life, a way to reclaim oneself and one’s freedom.
How will you rest during the holidays? We are living in challenging times that force us to move at a frenetic speed too often. In such times, we must remind each other to take care of ourselves and one another. Getting rest can protect us and renew our energy. As you write your To-Do list for 2026, make sure it includes getting rest. Better yet, find a buddy or group of buddies who will make the same commitment, and hold each other accountable for slowing down.
In that spirit, and on behalf of the entire PoP team, happy holidays. I wish you and your loved ones a joyous, meaningful, and restful holiday.
In connection,
Jane
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