As we wrap up 2025, many of us still find ourselves reflecting on a persistent and heavy shadow: the internalized pressure of hustle culture. Whether we are navigating corporate spaces or grassroots movements, we often carry harmful scripts that tell us we must be “always on” or that our value is tied to our productivity. At OGA, we believe that dismantling these perfectionist mindsets is not just a personal goal—it is the active, necessary work of Regeneration and Repowerment.
The Professional Act of Being Kind
We often talk about professional development in terms of skills, networking, or strategy. But let’s recognize a foundational truth: learning to be truly kind to yourself IS professional development. This is not a passive break from the “real” work; it is the labor that sustains our ability to contribute to the world without burning out our inner fire.
Unlearning the Hustle
Shifting away from a culture of constant “doing” requires us to unlearn destructive behaviors that equate worth with output. This is deeply personal work, and many of us are right there with you in the struggle. Even as we advocate for systemic transformation, we must remember to transform the way we treat ourselves.
Global Perspectives: Wisdom on Being and Doing
To expand our understanding of rest, we look to voices that challenge the colonial imposition of productivity.
Sufficiency Over Productivity
As we look toward the new year, we invite you to start from a place of sufficiency. You are enough exactly as you are, right now, before the next task is completed. We see your effort, your heart, and your dedication. Let’s commit to moving into 2026 with embodied self-compassion and a deep respect for rest as a form of resistance.
Art as a Mirror
The powerful imagery accompanying this reflection is by the incredible Ethiopian artist Aida Muluneh. Her piece “Freedom, Liberté” from “The Wolf You Feed” series perfectly captures the internal and external battles we face when reclaiming our autonomy from systems of pressure.
Voices of the Web
For an embeddable reflection on the connection between our bodies and our liberation, we love somatics practitioner Prentis Hemphill, whose work bridges individual healing and social change:
Deepen Your Practice of Care
If you are looking for ways to integrate these values into your daily life, explore our 7 Leaves of Actionto see how Regeneration starts from within.
You can also read more about collective healing in our Insights section.
For a deeper look at the intersection of art and liberation, visit the Aida Muluneh Studio.
The revolution needs you hydrated, loved, and rested.
Take a deep breath.
We see you, and we are getting there, together.
A personal thank you from all of us at OGA
Thank you for being with us in 2025. Here’s to more in 2026 and beyond!
