Super Bloom: Part 1 - Dormant
“A superbloom is a rare desert botanical phenomenon in which an unusually high proportion of wildflowers whose seeds have lain dormant in the desert soil germinate and blossom at roughly the same time.”
Though often overlooked and admittedly less outwardly impressive, this period of dormancy is just as important and beautiful as the resulting mass blossoming. This collective experience of retreat, rest, and quiet growth is a necessary experience, both for these flowers and for us as humans.
In part one of our spring zine, we’ll be exploring what it means for us to be dormant, ways to embrace periods of rest without guilt, and the radical experience of being un-busy.
understanding dormancy
It’s a common misconception that springtime immediately brings a renewed sense of energy and motivation. This surge in energy may come later in the season, but when spring first arrives it’s much more common for fatigue and exhaustion to accompany it. In fact, this seasonal weariness is so common that the German language has a word for it: frühjahrsmüdigkeit.
Due to capitalism’s chokehold on our culture and values, it is unsurprising that guilt and shame often accompany this feeling of low energy. We’re wired to believe that our worth is measured by our busy-ness. Check out this article for ideas about how to push back against this false belief, and this post for a deeper understanding of rest as a radical act of resistance for those experiencing oppression under white supremacy and capitalism, namely Black women.
““ I finally found my rhythm when I realized that even the steps backward were part of the dance.” ”
simple rest ritual
Inspired by @thebedwitch on TikTok, here are some of our ideas about how to make a day in bed feel intentional and restful in a deeply meaningful way.
Set an intention. What would you like to feel during this day of rest? Your focus will determine the elements of your environment.
-FOCUSED ON EMOTIONAL REST
Grab your favorite blanket, have nourishment nearby (tea, water, a granola bar), and set mood lighting accordingly. Put your phone on do not disturb and hold onto a comfort item (stuffed animal, your pet).
-FOCUSED ON PHYSICAL COMFORT
Stretch your body into a comfortable position, taking time to notice how the different parts of your body feel. Do your shoulders feel tight? Is your jaw clenched? Working from the top of your head down, relax each part of your body until you melt into your bed.
-FOCUSED ON REST AS YOU WORK FROM HOME
Rid yourself of guilt (being in bed doesn’t make you any less productive). Focus on posture by propping pillows accordingly. Open a window to let fresh air and sunlight in.
Design by @superbloomshop
Illustration by Lisa Aisato
write about rest
Answer the following prompts to build your awareness around your own experiences of rest, what peace means to you, and what your unique needs may be.
Thanks for reading part 1 of our spring zine! Check back in two weeks for an exploration of what happens when, out of our period of dormancy, we become ready to bloom and blossom!