Nurturing Balance – Body, Mind, and Spirit
BY SONJA TOBEY
At our recent meeting of the orders, we discussed self-care particularly as it pertains to mental health. I, as many others, have typically received the mixed signals of “self-care” and “productivity.” It seems counterintuitive that taking time for yourself increases your productivity. But it does.
In our fast-paced, technologydriven world, where the demands of work and personal responsibilities often seem unending and busyness is an addiction, the ancient practice of Sabbath keeping offers a remedy for weary souls who find themselves chronically tired. Clergy and church leaders are often the worst examples of Sabbath keeping. Sabbath observance provides a valuable pattern for cultivating balance, rest, and reflection in our lives. It is part of what the church offers a world in desperate need of reconnection.
According to the Judeo-Christian tradition, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, sanctifying it as a day of rest. Contradictory passages say that God never wearies, indicating God has no need for rest. Most, though not all, translations use the word “rest.” However, another translation, and perhaps a better translation, would be, God “ceased from all his work(s)” of creation. (Septuagint, Wycliffe, and Youngs) “Ceasing” our labor is an intentional action where “resting” seems a wasteful use of time.
Observing Sabbath is counter cultural. It challenges the prevailing notion that constant productivity is the key to a fulfilling life and invites us to embrace a comprehensive approach to our well-being. By incorporating regular periods of ceasing from labor, individuals reduce stress, enhance creativity, and improve overall mental and physical health curtailing our tendency to make “work” an idol.
At its core, Sabbath keeping is an intentional time of rest, renewal, and connection with God and others. While the traditional observance of Sabbath seems legalistic, modern interpretations recognize the need for flexibility.
We must adapt and develop the practice for our own rhythms. Going beyond abstaining from work;
Sabbath involves a deliberate focus on activities that nourish us holistically. Setting aside time, whether a whole day or a portion of the day, to unplug from digital devices, stress, and work leaves time to engage in more life-giving activities. Time spent with family, enjoying nature, prayer, and meditation leads to improved mental health, increased productivity, enhanced relationships, and a greater sense of purpose; benefits exceeding the day of rest itself.
Sabbath keeping encourages us to step back from the demands of life and appreciate the beauty of simply existing.
A deliberate pause for rest, reflection, and connection remains a timeless and universal concept that has the power to transform our lives in profound ways. As we navigate daily challenges, perhaps it’s time to rediscover the wisdom in the ancient tradition of Sabbath keeping.
As Lent approaches, perhaps it is an opportunity to develop your own rhythm of Sabbath. “Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest: From Sabbath to Sabbatical and Back Again” by Ruth Haley Barton is a good resource to help you be intentional about your Sabbath practice. Shabbat Shalom!