Rest to Rise Series: Slow and Steady to Unlock Creative Rest

Fellowship for Liberated Futures is co-hosted by three Black cis women-led organizations and entities: ProInspire, The Chisholm Legacy Project and Dr. Chera Reid.

We are committed to showing up authentically as stewards. This also requires that we embody the rest practices we encourage Fellows to integrate into their day-to-day lives as climate justice leaders.

In this "Rest to Rise" reflective series, each host organization will lean into their senses to express how rest shows up internally. In this post, we're following the lead of Rachel Leonidas from ProInspire.

Earlier this summer in the fellowship, we explored creative rest through a virtual pottery-making class. When Ashley, our Director of the Fellowship, first suggested it, I’ll admit, I was skeptical. I’m not exactly the “artsy-crafty” type, and the thought of pausing my busy week for a two hour creative practice  class felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. Yet, as a co-director, I looked forward (and committed)  to being in community with the fellows and approached the session curious to see how the fellows  would embrace the experience. 

That initial hesitation is indicative of  a normalized truth, especially among Black leaders: carving out time for rest often feels like a luxury we can’t afford. Anxiety about competing priorities can make it tempting to skip resting altogether. But by showing up that day, something shifted within me, revealing how transformative it can be when we prioritize rest in simple and creative ways—even when we feel like we can't afford to take the time.

During the session, I created a turtle jewelry holder (more on that later), something I never imagined I could or would make. What started as a reluctant exercise became a powerful experience that I did not want to end.  I was present,  determined, and inspired to push myself to create.  My brain truly took a break, and I didn’t want that feeling to end. Inspired by that intangible feeling, which spilled over into the weekend,  I recreated this rest experience with my nieces and nephews turning it into a family memory (and hopefully a norm) we’ll treasure. 

So, how did I move from a total mental block to fully embracing this creative rest practice that ultimately spilled over into my personal life?

Here are few key insights that became apparent in what supported me to fully embrace and embody this rest practice: 

* * *

Scheduled & Prioritized

Intentionality was the first key to success. By setting aside dedicated time and creating a shared commitment with others, I was held accountable to show up—not just for myself, but for the community I value. Guiding spaces like these are especially important for Black women and femmes, who often face immense pressure to deprioritize rest. Honoring rest collectively creates accountability and allows us to support one another in showing up fully.

* * *

Keep it Simple

The simplicity of the pottery activity was crucial. All we needed was a little water, some clay, and space to create. This low barrier to entry made it easy to engage, even when I felt reluctant. The simplicity also encouraged me to explore beyond the templates provided and create something uniquely mine. It’s a reminder that rest practices don’t have to be elaborate to be effective—sometimes, the its the ease of a thing that has  the greatest impact.

* * *

Somatic in Nature 

The hands-on nature of pottery grounded me in the present moment. Engaging my hands, eyes, and  mind created a somatic experience that quieted distractions and helped me fully embrace the practice. This kind of sensory engagement is a powerful way to anchor ourselves in rest, making it easier to disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with our inner creativity.

There’s something about the way turtles move—slow, steady, and deliberate—that resonates deeply with me. They remind us that progress doesn’t have to be hurried to be reached. I’ve collected turtles throughout my travels, and now, I’ve made my own—a personal reminder that when we slow down and embrace rest, seemingly impossible things become possible.

* * *

A Gentle Challenge

In a world that often demands more, the greatest gift we can give ourselves is permission to slow down, move at our own pace, and embrace rest as a pathway to creativity and renewal. What small step can you take this week to create space for your well-being and unlock your own creative possibilities? Let’s honor rest together—slow and steady, easy does it.