To put it succinctly, Sabbath is good for the brain. There have been many times of late that I have forced myself to stay at the task of school work even though I am quite tired. And I must admit, sometimes that is necessary. But I have been pleasantly surprised what happens when I choose to give my brain a break. Translation exercises that I labored through one night were somehow easier after I allowed my brain to rest and do something I enjoyed followed by a good nights sleep. I have often joked that I think taking naps is my favorite spiritual discipline. While there is a sense in which this is a joke, I actually think it's quite true.
I admit some may find this post quite ridiculous, but it seems to me that our bodies, our brains, need Sabbath time. So whether it's a good nap, a nice walk, or a glass of wine by the fireplace or veranda, I hope you find some time to rest your mind today. Leave a comment if you do. Maybe others might like your ideas.
4 comments:
Three cheers for a nap, a walk, and a nice glass of wine on the porch! I'll add a good book (not religion-related)and lunch with good friends to your list.
I never say no to a nap or a glass of wine. This whole exercise thing, though, you can't be too careful about that.
I have claimed Saturday as my sabbath for years. I'm not obsessive about it, but as a general rule I try to do no work on Saturdays. Work by the way is defined as anything I don't want to do. I figure on Sundays I am going to get up early, get dressed and go to church. Kind of defeats the point of a Sabbath, so I use Saturday.
QG: I like your additions!
Elaine: I love your definition of Sabbath. : )
yay for sabbath!! we students and church-workers who don't have 9-to-5s struggle a lot with that...
i and several of my housemates (i live in intentional community) have (re)-discovered sabbathing this year. But the funny thing is we all do it at a different time, depending on school and work schedule (if you're "on" at church, teaching or preaching, it's hard to count that a sabbath).
I just found the sabbath manifesto and became a fan of them on facebook (check it out on their site too: www.sabbathmanifesto.org)
and my housemates and I are planning to sabbath TOGETHER this summer when things are more relaxed. I think it'll take on a whole new aspect when we do it communally.
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