What is Reclaiming Our Own Time (ROOT)?

Our journey across time

“You were not just born to center your entire existence on work and labor. You were born to heal, to grow, to be of service to yourself and community, to practice, to experiment, to create, to have space, to dream, and to connect.”

– Tricia Hersey, The Nap Ministry

 

ROOT sprang from a deep yearning and years of dreaming by several leaders and organizations who noticed the need to shift the narratives and support around rest by and for Black leaders, Indigenous leaders, and leaders of color (BIPOC leaders). Our work started in 2022, when the Bush Foundation provided Nexus Community Partners some seed investment to start some intentional work focusing on rest for those who identify as BIPOC. Community members were convened to discuss potential means of using the investment, in addition to sharing their stories of how rest had or had not been part of their life’s journeys.

Fast forward to 2024, the work expanded to include a full team of three and a big picture view. We believe that in order to shape a sustainable, intergenerational approach to building up rest, we have to lean into our commitment to our communities (in our work, defined as BIPOC communities) and our responsibility to the ecosystem as a whole.

 

What does this mean for the work we do? In the first few years, you can expect:

Community Care Packages

Curated newsletters (yes, just like this one!) of rest practice stories, practice opportunities, short list of rest practitioners and resources, reflection activities, and more. Each centered around a specific theme to help us uncover, pause, and reflect on how we are practicing rest in our lives.

Reimagine Rest Series

Communal opportunities for people to come together to try out various forms of rest practices to add to their own. A space to learn from each other in how we continue to care for ourselves. Open to all while centering BIPOC experiences.

Our first one is Thursday, May 2 – keep scrolling for more details.

ROOT Sabbatical Fund

Sabbatical funding for selected BIPOC individuals on a cohort basis. Two versions: one is a typical sabbatical where an individual takes time off completely, and the other is a rhythmic sabbatical where an individual takes shorter spans of time off. Both will include some cohort sessions and support. More news to come this summer!

“Heal the Healers” Gatherings

Convenings in caring for our ecosystem of BIPOC healers to explore their needs, practices, and challenges around working on rest practices. We want to create space for our healers so they can continue to care for us.

Reimagine Rest Series

Join us May 2 for our first event!

The dictionary defines ‘Reimagine’ as a verb; an act of imagining again or to think about or consider in a new or creative way. The dominant narrative taught to us since childhood says only those who are productive are worthy of rest. However, this narrative stems from the belief that humans, specifically Black and Brown bodies, are objects to be exploited for production and labor.

We know this is far from the truth! Humans are part of a larger ecosystem. We are one of many beings co-existing on this living planet we call Earth. Our body, mind, and spirit deserve rest.

The Reimagine Rest Series (RRS) are convenings and pop-up events for people to experience shaping a new narrative around rest through gatherings and diverse rest practices.

 

Reimagine Rest Series: Discovering Rest through Zines and Collaging

 

Join us for our very first convening with Baki Baki Baki Porter. We will reflect on what rest means to us while archiving our reflections through zines and collages! Dinner is provided.

When: Thursday, May 2

Doors Open: 5:30 pm

Event Time: 6 pm – 8 pm

Where: Springboard for the Arts

262 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55103

Contact ROOT@NexusCP.org for questions or to connect.