Dismantling Rest Guilt: Dancing, Playing, and Pausing with Dr. LeConte Dill

Recently released New Book Rest Is Sacred. Check out www.restissacred.com for order and purchase options. Rest, read, and enjoy!
Rest transforms how we show up in academia and life. In this conversation I am speaking with Dr. LeConte Dill. We explore how embracing rest and play revolutionized her approach to leadership in higher education. Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Dr. Dill brings her experiences as a community-accountable educator, scholar, storyteller, and artist to this rich discussion about dismantling rest guilt while honoring both academic excellence and the sacred practice of pause.
As the Director of Graduate Studies and tenured Associate Professor in the Department of African American and African Studies at Michigan State University, Dr. Dill demonstrates how academic leaders can create cultures of rest while maintaining generative and impactful work. Through her journey from feeling guilty about delightful things like coloring and napping to confidently embracing summers off and weekly tap classes, she shares how permission to rest unlocked deeper creativity and joy.
Drawing from her practice as a Certified Mindfulness Instructor and wellness guide, Dr. Dill reveals how breathwork and intentional pauses have become vital to her praxis of showing up for Black girls and rigorously documenting their strategies of wellness, healing, and resistance.
In this episode, we explore:
How "the answer comes after the pause" transforms decision-making and teaching
Reclaiming ancestral rest practices hidden in plain sight
Breaking free from turning every joy into research or productivity
The power of leadership that actively affirms rest
Finding play and restoration in unexpected places
Envisioning a well-rested elder future full of giggles, style, and dance
Experience a guided rest practice focused on throat and heart chakra healing through intentional breathwork. Plus, discover how embracing rest can transform not just your professional life, but your connection to creativity, joy, and ancestral wisdom.
Connect with Dr. LeConte:
Website: lecontedill.com/
Instagram: @docdilltaughtem
Twitter: @DocDill
Stay tuned for her upcoming poetry book release!
Learn more about group rest coaching with Octavia Raheem at www.devotedtorest.com and apply to her rest based mastermind, Devoted to Rest® here.
To connect visit:
www.restissacred.com
octaviaraheem.com
octaviaraheem
/ @restwithoctaviaraheem
Music Production Credit: Julianna Sma on Instagram @shebloom
‪@restwithoctaviaraheem‬