REST AS A PRACTICE

This month, I’m exploring rest as an active practice and how this cultivates a slower, more intentional approach to creating. I’m interested in how rest can be embedded within the creative process itself rather than something that comes after. I’m excited to see how this shift in perspective will shape the way I make work.

To explore this, I’ve taken time away from my usual schedule to travel through Indonesia. I’ve met incredible people and spent time in beautiful places – opening up new ways of thinking about both living and creating. Alongside this, I’ve been engaging with movement practices beyond the studio such as surfing, yoga and diving.

I spent a week with Serenity Yoga Bali and, during a yin class, the teacher said something that really resonated with me. Whilst guiding us through a recovery posture, they said “to recover, we must first disengage the muscle that was previously engaged”. I think the same applies to our creative minds. As artists, we have to allow ourselves the permission to rest the creative muscle. How can we expect ourselves to be fully present in our practices if we never give ourselves the space to recover? Rest isn’t separate; it’s a key part of the process. We can only fully engage by learning how to disengage.

In a work culture that often glorifies constant output and overwork, choosing rest feels radical. Overworking is framed as part of the creative deal and somewhat of a badge of honour. Meanwhile, rest is treated as a reward you earn as opposed to a necessity. How can we reframe this thinking? Time away from work doesn’t just offer breathing room for our ideas to emerge - it nourishes us as individuals. I think that, in itself, is reason enough.

Having a set period of time to focus on life outside of making has already been so valuable. I’m looking forward to more exploration, more movement and more stillness. I’m also excited to see how rest begins to show up within my practice – not just outside of it.

Whilst walking new paths, I’m noticing myself slowing down - paying more attention to where I am and who I’m with. I’m so grateful for this time and for everything it’s teaching me.