One Month - Reflection - September 2022

 Sabbatical at the one-month anniversary is a new space for managing projects, timelines, and schedules.

I feel like I have a bit of rhythm to my days by allowing time for exercise (self-care), mindfulness, and thinking to allow for innovative and creative thought.  Running (jogging) has been something that has not been part of my routine for some time, and during this first month of sabbatical, I make time to include a run most days.  Cross-training with some relaxed biking, walking, swimming, short yoga stretching sessions and gardening are part of the first month of sabbatical exercise options that have been embraced.  I keep it very flexible with no self-imposed expectations of a schedule or routine.  The weather might impact the exercise or some other commitment - but doing something active every day is what I look forward to and plan for - at some point in the day. I've recommitted to my daily morning devotions which help to set the tone and confidence to approach each day. Together, these important but overlooked practices in recent years are providing a good way start to engaging in the sabbatical rest and reinvigorating the intention of sabbatical.  The professional and productive benefits, I'm learning, are natural outcomes of the intentional self-care regimens that I'm re-introduced to my daily schedule.

I was curious about the origin and meaning of the word "sabbatical" and the online Merriam-Webster dictionary (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sabbatical)provides the following historical context and further identifies typically this is a time off from regular academic and teaching duties after serving for seven years.

We trace the origins of both sabbatical and Sabbath to the Greek word sabbaton. Sabbaton itself traces to the Hebrew word shabbāth, meaning “rest.” The Old Testament refers to God's “day of rest” most famously in Genesis, but Sabbath referring to an entire year of rest is mentioned in Leviticus (25:3-5)

I found that the early weeks of sabbatical were a bit of a struggle to NOT engage in the minutia of the typical daily required tasks needed to perform on my job.

After the first four weeks, I've found a new relaxed way to approach complex but exciting and beneficial projects that require a new mindset and a relaxed way to address various projects.  

This new space provides the opportunity for a better look and lens to cipher complex ideas and research-focused elements.

I found some challenges, such as keeping track of project items for the two main projects I'm working on. Each project has its own set of deadlines, communications, and deliverables using a typical calendar has proven to be less than ideal for me.  I'm exploring using a project management application to assist with keeping track of the sabbatical projects and then also staying up to date with regular email correspondence and calendar items for work.  Though there is a minimal need for engagement, just keeping up with these communications for awareness is needful - or at least- of interest to me so when I return to work I am not blind-sighted by new processes or requirements for the job.