Rest is not weakness. It is radical. It is revolutionary. And it is essential.

Why rest is a radical act: redefining wellness through stillness and holistic healing

In the vibrant rhythm of Caribbean life, where energy flows freely and days are often full and fast-paced, the concept of rest can sometimes feel like a luxury few can afford. Yet, as a wellness expert and transpersonal therapist, I've come to believe that rest is far more than a pause—it is a radical act of reclaiming our well-being and reconnecting deeply with ourselves.

Understanding fatigue: do we truly know we're tired?

In our fast-paced world, especially amidst the many demands of daily life, fatigue can sneak in quietly. We often confuse tiredness with mere busyness or stress, pushing forward until our bodies and minds hit a breaking point.

But how do we really know when we’re tired? The answer lies in the subtle signals our body sends—often masked by the noise of modern living.

Polyvagal Theory offers a framework for understanding these signals. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the theory explores how the autonomic nervous system regulates our sense of safety and stress through three primary states: social engagement, fight-or-flight, and shutdown. When we are stressed or feel unsafe, our nervous system might either ramp up or shut down entirely—disconnecting us from our body’s true needs, including the need to rest.

The Goldilocks moment: finding just the right balance

In this context, the "Goldilocks Moment" becomes a powerful metaphor—it's about finding that state where our nervous system feels "just right." Not overstimulated, and not underwhelmed; simply balanced enough to allow for recovery and restoration.

Too much activity without pause can lead to exhaustion. Too much disconnection can lead to numbness or burnout. Stillness and mindfulness practices are the doorway to this Goldilocks state. It isn’t about forcing rest, but gently realigning with what our nervous system, mind, and body actually need.

Our personalized Yoga and Transpersonal Therapy offerings are designed to guide you toward this inner balance.

Rest as a radical act

To rest deeply is to resist the cultural push toward constant productivity and stimulation. It is an act of self-compassion, and a reclaiming of power over our wellness journey. In the Caribbean, where holistic healing traditions and connection to nature are woven into daily life, stillness reconnects us with ancestral wisdom around balance and presence.

Through transpersonal practices—those which connect us beyond the ego and the everyday—we open ourselves to expansive states of consciousness through rest. Wellness is not constant doing, but being in a flow of presence, connection, and restorative calm.

Current Opportunities to Connect

This fall, Art of Self Care offers several opportunities to deepen your wellness practice:

Paris – September & October I am currently in France and available in Paris for private transpersonal sessions and yoga consultations, in person or remotely. If you’d like to book a session or organize a group experience, now is the perfect time.

Anguilla – November 7–11 Join me for a deeply immersive Caribbean wellness retreat at the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club. A rare chance to restore, reconnect, and reset in a natural, luxurious healing environment.

Peru – December (Immersive Retreat) A transformative journey is also in the works for Peru in December. Explore the upcoming Peru retreat in December here.

How can we approach stillness?

• Tune Into Your Body: Subtle shifts—like shallow breath, restlessness, or tension—can signal an overstimulated system.

  
  

• Create Safe Spaces: Gentle breathwork and mindfulness practices help activate the social nervous system and foster internal safety.

  
  

• Honor the Pause: Even brief moments of stillness can interrupt stress cycles and restore clarity.

  
  

• Practice Transpersonal Connection: Meditation, guided imagery, and nature immersion can help transcend mental noise and guide us into deep rest.

  
  

• Be Present: Even in a difficult moment, pause and notice where you are.

By embracing the radical power of rest through the lens of polyvagal theory and transpersonal therapy, we not only support our immediate well-being, but also reconnect with the profound truth that wellness is a dynamic balance—of activity and stillness, of giving and receiving, of breath in and breath out.

If you are called to reconnect with yourself in any of these ways, whether in Paris, Anguilla, Peru, or remotely, reach out. Let’s explore what radical rest might unlock in you.

In the meantime, start by simply sculpting your breath. Let your inhale and exhale find their own quiet balance. That, too, is a revolutionary act.