Take Some Sweet Breaths ...

Dear friends, I am winding down my work day, easing into the weekend. 

I just posted on my Facebook page about the importance of Sabbath ... of taking time every week (or weekend) to rest and restore ourselves. The pace at which many of us live is simply becoming overwhelming. And staggeringly unhealthy. I know you know this.

And I know you know better. So do I.

In fact, just this morning, in the wee hours, the voice of my wise self broke through:

'Jan, remember to slow down today. Be gentle with yourself. Don't stress about anything.'

Even though my desk is piled high, my "To-Do List" long, I really do try and listen to my wise voice which is so lovingly gentle and kind. She encourages me toward unconditional friendliness—metta—always, for myself, first and foremost, then others. We cannot be soul-kind to others when we are un-kind to ourselves.

So I have been more and more faithful to making sure that I carve out some portion of every weekend for Sabbath time. I first fell in love with the notion of "official Sabbath time" through the writing of Wayne Muller. His book, Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal and Delight in Our Busy Lives, is exceptional. Wayne is a spiritual director, as I am, and we are constantly harping on people to sloooowww dooooowwwwn—and reminding ourselves of it too. :-) 

So, here is my question. 

Can you find a time slot in the next 48-72 hrs. to carve out a little you time ... a little time spent in pure rest ... nowhere to go ... nothing to do ... but to be with your wise self?

Will you?

I go undercover on Saturdays, from 2:00 pm through Sunday, 2:00 p.m. (or thereabouts).

I'm finding that, for me, this is a really nice Sabbath time. I rest, read, take a long hot bath. Just sit, stare and breathe. I'll likely watch a movie with my beloved. I'll savor the day. I'll treat myself nicely and remember who I am in case I've forgotten. And sometimes I do. We all do. (wink)

My wish/blessing for you is that you will do the same. Find some "rest, renewal, and delight" in the middle of your busy life.

(Image: Lilian Wescott Hale (1880-1963) Woman Resting, c. 1920s)

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Please join me for

"The Buddha Chick Retreat"!

Done in the comfort of your home. You pick the day. March 19 or 20. I'll guide you through. And it's FREE.

This retreat is a time to step away from your busy life and spend precious time with yourself—to stop and rest, restore and rejuvenate your Chickie self.

It is a guided "day away." This means it is gently paced with guidelines and suggested activities for how to prepare for it, as well as what to do on that day. It is a day that will allow you to rest, yet also to learn and grow. It is based around a theme:"Embracing My Essence." (This retreat is based on the model of the day retreats I offer at Dominican Center.)

Every woman is welcome! I'll be retreating too and holding the energy for our group. Then we'll have an optional (free) conference call at the end to share our retreat experiences. Sound fun?

I hope you'll join me because YOU deserve a break today! Learn more.