This 2-hour workshop centers around the maxim that rest is an act of resistance, a radical form of self-care, and a powerful tool for Black, Indigenous, and women/femmes of colour to reclaim their lives from the constant pressure to perform and produce. Inspired by the work of Black feminist thinkers like Tricia Hersey, Audre Lorde, and bell hooks, we will explore the importance of rest, its connection to resistance, and practical ways to cultivate peace within our lives. This workshop will adopt an embodied approach, inviting participants to engage in this powerful discussion of rest and reclamation. Participants can expect to:

• Engage in grounding, meditative exercises that encourage deep rest and self-reflection.
• Explore the ways that hustle culture impacts their well-being and presents obstacles to rest.
• Reflect on their own cultural practices that resist capitalism through rest, play, and community.
• Develop practical tools to prioritize rest and ease in their daily lives.

This workshop is open to self-identified Black women/femmes, Indigenous women/femmes, and women/femmes of colour seeking to reclaim their sense of peace, balance, and self-care while actively resisting the destructive demands of capitalism and hustle culture. Participants are encouraged to bring their own “rest supports” to the workshop – this may include blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, slippers, or any other items that help them cultivate a sacred space during this rest practice.

Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite

About the facilitator:

Alexis Charles (she/her) is a passionate and visionary change-maker with over fourteen years of experience in the education and community development fields. Having been born and raised in the GTA, she now lives in Guelph where she enjoys creating and leading opportunities that celebrate Black, African/Caribbean, and diverse identities in our community. Alexis is the founder and owner of SHYNE Body Butter, a wellness brand that supports young women and femmes in the Guelph/Kitchener-Waterloo area through simple skincare, education, and empowerment. Her past experience includes serving as the Coordinator of Cultural Diversity Programs at the University of Guelph and Director of Programming with the Guelph Black Heritage Society. She has a Master of Education in Anti-Oppression Education and Community Development, and is committed to addressing educational equities and supporting those traditionally underserved in academia. Alexis also loves to travel, and lived in South Korea for three years. Some things that bring her joy are rollerskating, HIIT workouts, old school dancehall music, and her cat Zora 🙂