Creating the Space for True Rest: Orange Shirt Day as One Step

Rest is a theme that continues to show up this week in a variety of ways. We are offered several opportunities to pause, listen deeply, and act on creating the conditions for true rest to occur. The kind of rest we’re referring to is more than time off, or taking a break. It is the kind of rest that allows us to restore— to completely lean into knowing we are not in this alone.

In the next few days, there will be opportunities to listen to the experiences of others and reflect on what we can do individually and collectively to make true rest possible for everyone.

Today, September 30, is Orange Shirt and and National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada. This day creates an opening for learning, understanding, honoring and acting on the truth of the impact of residential schools. If you are unfamiliar with orange shirt day, please take time to watch the video below as a residential school survivor, Phyllis Webstad, shares her story and how the orange shirt serves as a symbol of the orange shirt that was taken from her on her first day of residential school.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuW4WbekhxY

We understand there are more stories, experiences, and losses that will be confirmed as the Truth and Reconciliation process continues. The wearing of an orange shirt is one way to show we are listening and the lives of the children and families affected by residential schools matter. In addition, the orange shirt raises awareness so we can take meaningful actions of truth telling to lead to reconciliation. Schools like this also existed in the United States and other countries and we are beginning to confirm what those who have lived through residential schooling experienced for many years. Such stories are painful to witness and essential to be told and heard as we recognize what impacts all of humanity in functioning at our best.

The interview for Lives Well Occupied: Lessons from Near and Far you will have the chance to hear this week also speaks of the impact of conformity and how we truly and fully rest. As we hear in Erica’s story, life has a way of making us rest. These conversations and stories provide us the chance to understand the lived experiences of others and perhaps examine our own experiences or what we thought we knew.

We look forward to more conversations tomorrow and encourage you to learn more about Orange Shirt Day and how setting a day each year to have these conversations can benefit everyone.