Balance on the Sabbath

Today is Sunday, which I celebrate as my Sabbath-- meaning that I keep it simple, slow-paced, and peaceful. 

Autumn Flowers- acrylic on board

It’s not possible for me to do NO work on the Sabbath, but I schedule very little work, and my work has a different focus and flavor. I take time out from busy-ness so I can practice deepening my inner life-- how I feel, how I behave, and how I express myself.

My theme this month is balance, and I've decided to contemplate today how to bring a little balance to my Work Flow- how can I maintain a steady pace at the work of my life, with fewer diversions in to solitaire and television?

Sabbath Plan:
1. All day meditation
2. Journal queries
3. Cultivate flow
4. Healthy habits

1. All day meditation:

I begin my celebration of the Sabbath right away when I awaken-- I pause before jumping out of bed to remember God, and acknowledge that I have God within. I hold that remembering through the day, lightly, like a dove resting on my shoulder (I like to picture myself brushing the wings of Spirit with my loving attention). I remember to smile, and allow compassion to shine.

2. Journal queries:

Think about my current projects, classes, and priorities.

What do I need for myself to keep my energy level high?  

How can I plant my priorities in my heart and mind so that I act on them in the way they deserve?

From my journal: I am definitely finding a level of creative obsession with my painting again, which is exciting. But I am pulled in so many directions- the house needs painting before the weather turns, and I'm eager to make banners and help with Our Children's Trust art builds, and my after-school classes are starting this week... Am I spread too thin or can I rise to the challenge?

3. Cultivate flow:

Flow is the natural, effortless unfolding of my life in a way that moves me toward wholeness and harmony. Flow is always here, around me and in me, whether or not I am in it. When I step into the power of flow, I connect to a force beyond myself.

When I swim with the flow, its currents move me smoothly and gently through life. Time seems rich and resonant. I am ready to embrace whatever develops, because I know everything I experience has value. Flow brings balance into my life, and allows me to move more confidently toward the outcomes that make me happiest.

How to cultivate flow:

• Live with immediacy– Slow down and just BE- aware and awake.
• Choose challenging, interesting projects- Not safe but also not too intimidating; something I have skill in.
• Set clear goals with measurable outcomes.
• Be fully engaged- Direct all of my attention towards what I’m doing or who I’m with. 
• Be passionate and brave- Let go of caution and involve myself whole-heartedly. Stretch beyond the way I’ve always done things.

4. Healthy habits:
As I focus on my inner life, I must balance that with attention to my body. I've been struggling with tight back and neck muscles for a week now, which limits my activities. Also, my diet and sleep habits are pretty erratic. Simple steps I plan to take this week:

• Be kind to my neck with better posture. Remember to keep my head stacked above my shoulders.
• Be kind to my body with a better diet. Eat veggies with nearly every meal.
• Get back to taking short naps to give my afternoons an energy perk-up.