Incantations for Rest: Poems, Meditations, & Other Magic by Atena O. Danner | Book Review
“Blessed be the vigilant. May they know rest. Blessed be the vulnerable. May we learn from their courage.” —Atena O. Danner
I had the honor of meeting the author of this prophetic, poetic book at a book festival by @semicolonchi in Wicker Park circa 2022. Atena O. Danner was kind and gracious. She even gifted me a free copy when my payment methods weren’t going through. I walked away grateful and giddy to read the book.
I finally got around to starting and finishing this book at the beginning of 2025. I love that I chose to make this my first read of the year. Not only were the poems moving, but they were full of spiritual wisdom and reminders to rest, breathe, and extend grace to oneself. I especially appreciated Danner’s choice to center black experiences and remind us that rest prompts repair, revelation, and resistance in the face of trials and tribulation. She calls on God. She honors those who came before. She speaks beautifully about nature. She illuminates the beauty of just being. 🧘🏿♀️
I highly recommend this book of poetry and meditations for anyone who’s struggling to simply BE. If you need to regulate your nervous system, remember who you are, or even just breathe easier; grab the audio or physical copy of this book and let the words pour over your soul. Let them seep into your psyche. Let them wash away your desire to constantly keep up with grind culture. Let them remind you of your divine humanity. Even God rested.
All that to say, I loved this book. One of my goals this year is to take better care of myself, and I intend to relax, release, and rest more often. 🛀🏿💫
