Rest: A Radical Sabbatical

Taking a period of rest can offer time for deep healing and wellness, allowing us to bring more presence into our work and to be more fully who we are. During my sabbatical, my challenges and questions were: How could I recognize the value of rest and renewal? And how could I not fill all the space, so as to leave time for actual renewal, refreshment, creativity, and emergence? As I unraveled my mind’s relentless pursuit of value through activity and production, I found more joy and spaciousness. As I took time to rest, retreat, and practice non-doing I experienced nourishment. By leaving space for true emergence, I unexpectedly engaged in forest therapy guide training and developed a new forest therapy course for our academic program. Overall, I found that taking time for my own healing and wellness is foundational to this work. I cannot bring a grounded contemplative approach to our work if I am constantly rushed and overwhelmed. In attending to my own spirit, I am able to offer presence and attention to my work with emerging educators and leaders. The story of my academic sabbatical highlights the power of rest and emergence as powerful allies.