Life is full! Keeping up with duties, obligations, relationships, and life’s various activities does require energy. Somehow, I manage to keep up with everything and do it all – because, well, because that’s what I do.
But is that good? Or edifying? Or helpful? Or loving? Or wise?
A confluence of events at the end of September prompted me to question the energy poured into all of my activities and my involvement in so many clearly worthwhile projects. My particular events are not extraordinary, rather they are the ordinary stuff of our human experience: We said a sad farewell to one of our pets. We became “empty nesters”. And I reached a “milestone” birthday that I have traditionally associated with old age. Seriously?
Seasons of life! Each is glorious and brings forth its fruit in its own time. There is a rhythm to life – to days, to weeks, to months, to years and even to epochs. In the northern hemisphere, this time of year reflects Autumn. Leaves change colors and drop to the ground in preparation for winter. Nature seems to turn inward, to darkness, to rest, to the unseen work of turning what “has been” into the generative soil for new growth. Spring is not possible without winter.
“Pay attention,” my soul whispers. “Take a page from nature’s playbook.” Turn away from all the spent energy that, for whatever reason, still has a hold on you. Take a break from those activities that scatter so much of your attention. Recognize there is a season to everything. Turn inward. Notice where life, light, and love surround and infuse you. Hear your heart in all its spaciousness, compassion, and yearning. Allow yourself to honor the fullness and grieve the loss of past seasons. Doing so may open your heart to seeing the generative promise of the next. (Be assured that nothing is wasted in G*d’s economy!)
“A Sabbatical,” I hear. Yes, it’s time for a sabbatical, specifically a winter sabbatical – a 90 day inward reflective journey – a personal commitment to paying attention, to listening, and to being present to Life. Such a journey does not require taking vacation days or extended time off to travel somewhere. Rather it can be an inward reflective journey full of discoveries, adventure, and creativity. But what exactly might that involve?
Contemplative practices, devotions, prayers, journaling, breathing meditations, mindful movements such as dance, yoga, meditative walks, or other activities such as quilting or knitting – these are just a few of the many practices that can allow time and opportunity for reflective awareness. While any of these may be appropriate for an inward journey, I have specifically appreciated the structure and consistency provided by Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way Morning Pages Journal (1997). It’s a commitment to oneself to 90 days of daily stream-of-consciousness morning journaling, self-care, and a weekly artist date. 90 days = three months = one season. Winter!
I have done this inward journey solo in the past. As I plan this upcoming winter sabbatical, I recognize that I would very much welcome company – a small group to join me on the journey. Not to air the details of the personal reflection part, but for encouragement, accountability (I am sure there will be days that I miss), and the opportunity to share discoveries if I wish. I know the strength and beauty of connection. Although it is a personal journey, knowing and touching base with others who are similarly on the journey adds another layer of richness.
The 90 days from December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026 is perfect for a SoulWise Winter Sabbatical. The cost to join is an investment: a commitment to 90 days of personal daily practices, to self-care,and to attending an introductory gathering and three subsequent monthly gatherings. The return on investment? Possibly priceless?
If curious or interested in joining, see https://dalindareese.com/programs/