Episode 188: Collective Rest With Cassandra Lam

Cassandra Lam (she/her) is a Vietnamese-American trauma-informed somatic healing practitioner guiding tired and trauma-impacted people to rest. In March 2021, she created Collective Rest — a guided practice sharing ancient mind-body-spirit healing technologies to soothe the nervous system in preparation for deep states of relaxation, rest and recovery — to address our collective exhaustion and grief. Her mission is to uplift rest as a necessary and powerful modality for social change. As a neurodivergent daughter of refugees living with complex PTSD and chronic pain, Cassandra is passionate about creating community care spaces where healing, empowerment, and liberation are practiced as culture. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California, she now lives on the unceded lands of the Cherokee (Asheville, NC) with her partner and their senior cat, Ajna.   In This Episode: Cassandra shares her origins story; from being a first-generation daughter of boat refugees to being diagnosed with complex PTSD and now facilitating trauma-informed healing. Cassandra shares how she came to facilitate collective rest. What collective rest means and why it's so essential to heal together. Cassandra shares that Collective Rest is inspired by Tricia Hersey's The Nap Ministry.  In order to create change, it cannot be through brute force but by being in the feminine, yin.  We talk about the show BEEF, the Korean concept of Han, rage, and the Asian American experience.  The difference between sleep and rest and why both are imperative for our overall well-being.  Capitalism & ableism and how that contributes to our ability to take rest.  Cassandra shares that collective rest is an overlooked piece of activism. Through pause and reflection will help break us out of oppressive systems.  Full Show Notes: Collective Rest Website Collective Rest Instagram Millennial Mystics on YouTube ORDER MY BOOK HOW TO MANIFEST LEAVE AN AMAZON REVIEW FOR MY BOOK Laura Chung Instagram Laura Chung Tik Tok Laura Chung's Website  YouTube Channel Ceremonial Cacao for 15% off use code: AWAKEN  Awaken and Align Instagram Awaken and Align Website Connect with Awaken and Align: If you enjoyed the podcast and you feel called, please share it, and tag me! Subscribe, rate, and review the show wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help more people discover it! Follow on Instagram @awakenandalign Let me know your favorite guests, lessons, or any topic requests.