The Art of Sabbatical

As refreshing as rest sounds, it can feel risky.

It’s why so many workers with paid vacation, never take it.

It’s why so many religious people (who supposedly observe a Sabbath) burn out from all the church activities, socials and busyness.

It’s why so many writers and artists get stuck in ruts.  Readers too.

We pervert rest when we associate it with laziness.

What’s really lurking underneath—when we deny the gift of rest—is fear.

What if others realize I’m not needed?

What if something happens while I’m away?

Here’s my two cents.

I don’t want to be needed.  I’d rather be wanted.

Plus, if you've ever lost a job or relationship, you know things go on with or without us.

A couple of times a year (at least), I like to take a break from what I call “workshed writing”.  That’s when I’m hunkered over a laptop, furiously typing away four to six hours every morning and night.

During these periods, I try to create space in my life to read, reflect, sketch, experiment, compose music and try new things.

Said another way, I like to wander and wonder.

Do you?

Ideas hide in silence.  Stories hide in rest.

I’m a writer.   I’m a poet.

My job is to collect, craft and share ideas and stories that open your heart and blow your mind.

So, with that, I'm going on a short sabbatical from blogging.

I won’t be publishing new essays or creative exercises on Keitharsis until Tuesday, April 3^rd.

Then, we can pick back up and continue exploring the crossroads of our everyday, creative and spiritual lives.

If you're interested, I'll be reading The Lost Daughters of China by Karin Evans and The Triggering Town by Richard Hugo.  And I plan to watch Inni by Sigur Ros and U2: From the Sky Down.  I will also be studying disjunction among tulip poplar trees.

If you have questions or want to "chat" in the meantime, hit me up on my Facebook page and I'll respond as soon as I can.

Your readership means more than words can express!  Thank you for your ongoing interest, encouragement and support. 

See you in April!

Oh yeah.  One more thing.

Joe Bunting, a creative writer and blogger I've had the great fortune of getting to know, has a fantastic blog for writers.  I've written a guest post for Joe's blog.

Click here to read it.  It will be on the theme of collecting and connecting.  Hope to see you over there later today!

Keitharsis is a blog about the creative life.  I took that photo above on a sabbatical that went very wrong this past November.  I'll share that story another day.

Strange, unrelated, oblique aside: I was listening to the song, "How It Ended" by The Drums as I wrote this.  I always write to music.  Do you?  Click here if you want to have a listen.

Comments

[Karen]

Keith! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this last post before your sabbatical

I want to say this.. I wish this everyday for myself in my healing, in my work towards healing - but for me right now, going forward IS the healing. Believe it or not, my break, my "sabbatical" is writing in my blog, it's my way "out".

It's funny how for one person's sabbatical can be pulling back a little to have some rest, when another is going more forward. I like that, how it can be BOTH. I find rest in going forward, when some people need rest in pulling backwards. hmmm the more and more I write this, the more i like my own thoughts (that rarely happens)

Keith, thank you for providing us with great wisdom through the week! I for one always look forward to TUES WED and THUR at 1:30am when I hit the REFRESH button waiting to be challenged!

Have a relaxing time away and yes you will be missed!

[Keith Jennings]

Thank you so much Karen!

Rather than a sabbatical, I believe you've found your sanctuary.

A sanctuary is a place of refuge. And a place of worship (i.e. praise & devotion).

In time, I encourage you to practice a sabbath rhythm. But for now, keep returning to your sanctuary.

[Suzie Gallagher]

Well you have managed to make a duty/love run into positive. I am off to my native country to nurse mum back to health so I was taking an online sabbatical. I was calling it anything but that. Now I can call it a rest from connecting to people worldwide and concentrate on the nurturing thing for my mum and myself. Here it is a positive whirlwind of hospitals and appointments for my disabled kids and sick husband.
I pray that Keith, you feel rejuvenated by the break from the great work you do here, I pray that all my fellow commenters don't ever stop writing and I pray that God's love can be seen through me as I head into atheist country, atheist community, atheist home. God bless you all, Suzie

[Kim]

Keith,

Thank you for providing an example of self-care. It's something I'm still learning how to do, and when people I admire show me how it's done, it helps me remember that it's not only okay to take care of myself, but it's necessary...physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I'll miss you during the middle of the week and I'll look forward to "seeing" you again in April.

Enjoy your wondering, your wandering, and your resting!

[Pat MacPherson]

Thanks for including us Keith. Over the years, I have concluded that taking time off helps strengthen our faith.

For me, it takes great faith for me to spend Sunday nights resting and hanging out with the family as I "must" be prepared and ready to roll on Monday morning.

I've been intentional this year not to work on Sunday evenings. In turn, I have found myself resting and trusting God more that I won't drown on Monday.

This simple step has been a faith builder for me.

[Keith Jennings]

Suzie,

You will be missed!!! I hope our lives intersect again. And I will continue to pray for you and your family.

[Keith Jennings]

Kim,

In taking care of yourself, you ARE taking care of those you love. Plus you are practicing strength, courage and faith (as Pat reminds us in his comment).

In denying your mind and body rest, you are potentially robbing yourself, your family and friends of a fully present, fully engaged Kim.

I think the world needs you in it. Don't you?

And I will definitely enjoy my time! Thank you!

[Keith Jennings]

Pat,

Love the tie to faith! I see rest as a spiritual discipline. As something we must practice deliberately.

Great comment, my man!

[georgia]

"Ideas hide in silence."
...favorite line.

looking forward to your return, 'cause i'm guessing the product of your time away will be some really great essays. i hope it's a fulfilling and rejuvenating break.

off to check out the guest post...

[Keith Jennings]

Thanks so much, Georgia! I'm definitely doing some research and reflection on some ideas that have been marinating. :)

[KC]

Enjoy your time away, Keith. Happy Reading.

[Jason Vana]

Glad to hear you are taking some time to rest and refresh. I try to do that a few times a year myself. Enjoy it!

[JeremyStatton]

I hope you find life in your rest. Lost Daughters is a good book. It helped me understand our adoption better. I do believe in the red thread. Love, Joe too. Can't wait to read the post.