Sabbath for Joy

Today is my sabbath, a day to step out of the fray, and regroup. My theme this month is joy and self-expression, and I'm going to spend some time today reading, and making a plan.

My perfect sabbath is a celebration, a holiday. I keep it holy with my attitude: I don't rush, complain, or worry. Everything I do has a flavor of peace. I schedule some work, but it's work I find fulfilling, or uplifting. Simple is a great word to describe my ideal activities for the sabbath: Simple tasks, simple foods, and an undemanding schedule.

Agenda

1. Word #7 - Beloved Community

2. A gratitude nap

3. Joy walk

1. Word #7 - Beloved Community:

I'm reading a Pendle Hill pamphlet called Marking the Quaker Path: Seven Key Words Plus One, by Robert Griswold. This speaks to the condition of many Friends in my Meeting, who are ready to go deeper on this journey, and a large group of us are studying this booklet together this year. Last month I wrote about Authority, and this month the words are Beloved Community.

This is another short chapter. He talks about loving each other, having tenderness, being a blessing, praying for each other, and helping one another up.

"We all want to be in a beloved community, but it doesn't come about by wanting. ... It takes all of the steps set forth in the six words above. ... These seven words, then, mark the steps on the Quaker pilgrim's progress. 

1. We become aware of our condition.
2. We become open to an experience of the Divine.
3. We promise to keep our covenant with what is holy.
4. We take up the disciplines that keep us on the path.
5. We trust the process of discernment.
6. We accept and act on our authority to love.
7. We find we can love unconditionally and belong in the beloved community."

2. A gratitude nap:

I found this exercise at Tiny Buddha:

Lie down and get comfortable. Use as many pillows and blankets as you like.

Set a timer for three minutes.

For those three minutes, state out loud things you are grateful for. It’s a bit difficult at first. Please know every item does not have to be deep. Be grateful for the couch you’re lying on, the length of your hair, sand on the beach. Anything goes.

After the three minutes, set an intention to be open to whatever is there for you to receive. Surrender as much as you can.

Rest for ten minutes. Notice at the end of the “nap” how you feel. I’m willing to bet you feel a lot lighter after basking in the glow of all your life’s goodness.

3. Joy walk:

This month, as I focus on joy, I will practice this walking meditation each day, giving attention to my body, heart, mind, and spirit.

 

1. Physical Joy: Name out everything I appreciate - the breeze on my face, moving my muscles, everything that brings me joy in this moment. Continue this for 1-2 blocks. 

 

3. Mindfulness: Turn a corner, and bring attention to my day ahead, my intentions, and how I can welcome joy and contentment. Open my mind to the ambiguity of life. Continue this for 1-2 blocks.

 

2. Passion: Turn a corner, and focus on my tender heart. Feel the love that brings passion for joyful life and service. Send loving thoughts to my neighbors, my family, my community, the world. Continue this for 1-2 blocks. 

 

4. Spiritual Awareness: Turn the last corner, and speak a prayer out loud - “Spirit of the Universe, I am open and awake to whatever comes into my life today. I am a limitless being, accepting from a limitless source, in an infinite way. I am incredibly blessed.”