Staying Put

I’ve been at the cabin by myself for 48 hours now, and this weekend I decided not to leave, no matter what. I could have run errands, gone to a movie, bought groceries, etc., but instead I’ve stayed put. It’s the rare day without appointments, schedules, or agendas, and yet even when I have the potential for an unstructured day, I’m likely to fill it with a different kind of work or the activities of pleasure. Eating just food from the pantry was a creative challenge and put meals into perspective--they were fuel, not the centerpiece of the day.

This weekend’s commitment to stay put makes me aware of how often I take action simply to be in motion. When a task comes to mind, how often do I ask myself—does this really have to be done right now? Is this how I truly want to spend my time?  I like to think I live mindfully, but how much of my day emerges from habit, routine, and obligation? I’m glad I have mostly good habits and healthy routines, but still, this stretch of unstructured time in one place helped me shift gears. Staying put let me listen to what I truly wanted to do and to do one task at a time.  When I made tea, I just drank tea and a spaciousness opened around me. 

I suppose that’s what the Sabbath is about—once a week our routines are suspended for the sole/soul purpose of connecting with true treasures: God, family, and one’s own heart. Our culture doesn’t really observe a Sabbath any longer, and I don’t either.  I’d like to incorporate a “staying put” day each month, to reset my compass, to reconnect with my inner guidance, and to savor what’s right in front of me.