Council for Health and Human Service Ministries

Word and Deed: Thoughts on Faith-Based Leadership

Sabbath's Sacred Rhythm of the Breath and the Cadence of Rest

In keeping with the theme for the CHHSM 2007 Annual Meeting, The Rhythm of Rest and Work: Leading with Soul, following are more excerpts from the book entitled Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives, written by keynote speaker, Wayne Muller.

There is an inner music that corresponds to the natural rhythm of our lives. Even when we ignore it, abuse it, or think we have lost it, we discover that it is still present. In the stillness this rhythm reasserts itself--bringing us into alignment with our natural wisdom and balance so that "we can find our way to what is good, necessary, and true". When we refuse to stop and listen to the cadence of rest, we may never fully rest until we die. Muller urges us to stop now in order to dissolve the artificial urgency of our days—relax, breathe, and be mindful of life.

When we stop, we see that the world continues without us, sweet humility and gentle mindfulness bequeath the grace to stop, and see that it is good, there is no need to keep pushing. When we stop, with no chores or agenda, we let our eyes rest, our bodies heal, our activities languish, and taste the fruits of our labor, as the Psalmist invites us: Be still, and know.
Henri Nouwen was a dear friend of mine, a brother, priest, and mentor. He was also a fiercely astute observer of our worried, overfilled lives. Henri insisted that the noise of our lives made us deaf, unable to hear when we are called, or from which direction. . . . In our spiritual life we need to listen to the God who constantly speaks but whom we seldom hear in our hurried deafness. (84)

By listening to what is deeply true we cultivate a sense of eternity so that we can truly rest and hear, and touch, and become more aware of the gifts and blessings of our lives. As we become more peaceful within, we experience more peace in our troubled world. Meditation, as noted below, is one of the ways in which we are able to capture moments of peace that help to sustain the rhythm of rest.

One beautiful form of meditation is to simply follow the breath. Sit comfortably, and close your eyes. Let yourself become aware of the physical sensation of the breath, feeling the shape, texture, and duration of the inhale and the exhale. Do not change your breathing, do not strain or push in any way. Simply watch the breath breathe itself. Feel the rhythm of the breath, feel its timing, the end of the exhale, the readiness to inhale. When the mind wanders--as it will--do not worry. Simply return your awareness to the breath. Silently note each inhale or exhale, mentally noting in, out or rising, falling. Do this for five minutes at first. What do you notice about the rhythm of rest in your breathing? What do you notice about the rhythm of breath in your body? (75)

When you do this exercise you will notice that time tends to stand still. Increasing the length of time you meditate will help to deepen the experience. This holiday season, be willing to fall into life's rhythm and partake in the sacredness of Sabbath as you embrace the beauty of each precious moment that is spent with your family, friends, and yourself.

Shirley Nelson

For more reflections on the rhythm of rest and work and excerpts from Muller's book, see the September 2005 column, and the June and September 2006 columns, titled Sabbath's Sacred Six, Sabbath's Sacred Reminders, and Five Factors for Finding Sabbath Time, and Sabbath's Sacred Blessing.

Earlier Columns