Serenity © lynette sheppard
It’s the beginning of May. I’m five months into my sabbatical. And it really does seem to be a state of mind and being. I still have to respond to small “crises” here and there (eg. broken water pipe, dead car battery, sick kitty), but they no longer cause my heart rate to ratchet up or my jaw to tighten. I feel like there is time to handle the small hiccups of life instead of the stressloaded pressure that filled my day(s) previously.
I had a book on my bookshelf for years that I never read. I bought it in 1999 when it was first published, fully intending to read it when I tucked it up on my self help- spirituality shelf. (Yes, I shelve my books by topic or genre.) I can’t believe it took me 20 years to read this wonderful book, but clearly I wasn’t ready until now.
It’s called “Sabbath, Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest” by Wayne Muller.
And I am delighted to report that it is still in print. If ever I needed affirmation that we need periodic time-outs, I found it in this lovely tome. I may read it again. And again. With humor and heart, Muller illuminates why taking time away from work, chores, technology, and busyness are necessary for our health and well-being. One of my favorite bits referred to a practice that his friend named “slotha yoga”. I am so dedicated to such a practice. Speaking of which, it’s time now for my practice. Stay tuned for more.
