A lot of us were taught (directly or indirectly) that rest is something you do after everything is handled.
But if you’ve lived through chronic stress, trauma, racism, poverty, family instability, or simply the pressure of always needing to “be okay,” your body may not know how to downshift—even when you want it to.
That’s why I AM my ancestors’ rest can also be a mental health statement:
I’m learning to feel safe in my own body.
Rest isn’t only a nap. It can be nervous system care.
At Felicity Counseling, we use trauma-informed approaches that help you understand your nervous system, your triggers, and your coping strategies—without shame. Healing isn’t about “getting over it.” It’s about building safety, choice, and support.
Gentle ways to practice rest (even if you’re busy)
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Two minutes of slow breathing before you respond to a text
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A short walk without a goal
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Listening to music that helps your shoulders drop
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Drinking water and eating something nourishing
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Turning off notifications for an hour
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Saying: “I can do this later” and believing it
If rest feels hard, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It may mean your body has been doing its best to protect you for a long time.
Reflection prompt
When do you feel most at ease—who are you with, what are you doing, and what’s different in your body?
Invitation
Tell us what rest looks like for you this week—small counts. Tag #IAmMyAncestorsRest and invite someone you love to join you.
If you’d like support learning nervous system tools that fit your real life, Felicity Counseling can help.
Additional Resources
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The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk
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My Grandmother’s Hands — Resmaa Menakem
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The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy — Deb Dana
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Anchored — Deb Dana
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