A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Sabbatical: Why I’m Taking a Month Off for the First Time in My Life

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The idea of taking a month off from work scares me…A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Sabbatical sounds great and very therapeutic, but scary too (even though this is actually a “mini” sabbatical).

I’ve run my own business for over 25 years and the most time I ever allowed myself to take off at one time has been 15 days (and that was very anxiety producing).

Now I’m doubling that, taking 30 consecutive days off. Yikes!

It’s not that I think my clients (and everyone else) can’t survive without me, it’s that I’ve never allowed myself out of my self-defined, and very limiting, comfort zone.

Yes, this is Ken speaking, the same guy whose business it is to help people move out of their comfort zone and into their growth zone. The same guy who frequently encourages clients to take steps of faith and trust the process of Life. And I’m also the very same dude who invites people in relationships to allow themselves to be more vulnerable so they can really experience the fullness of their relationships (and their lives).

So here I am at the edge of my comfort zone, feeling very vulnerable and ready to allow the process of Life to take care of me. So, why am I feeling all this angst if I’m so into change, growth and the great unknown?

Answer: I suffer from chronic and terminal humanness, and in my perfectly imperfect humanness I get scared sometimes, even when I know that I’ll be okay.

Here’s the flipside: I’m 62 years young and I want to know how to live this chapter of my life to the fullest. I want to continue to live the adventure of Life, while giving back and trying to do all I can for the Greatest Good.

So I’m planning a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Sabbatical to take some time off to ponder all that and experience what life without daily “work” might be like. (Although I’m quite sure I’ll be “working” in some fashion all the remaining days of my life).

I plan to spend a lot of time outside, traveling, hiking, photographing, exploring and discovering new, different and beautiful places. I also plan to spend a considerable amount of time reflecting, writing and journaling. But my primary “plan” is not really to have much of a plan, but rather, allow the flow of Life to guide me along.

I want to ask some questions and listen deeply for some answers.

I’ll probably pray and meditate a bit more than normal, lightly listening for nudges, insights and guidance from the Muses of my Soul.

Sound too airy-fairy for you? If so, I don’t blame you for thinking that way, as I have some skepticism myself. But I’m going to do it anyways. I’m going to do it because I need to do it. I need to know. I need to do this for myself.

I’m sure I’ll be sharing some of my adventures on social media (Feel free to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ken.donaldson ) and I invite you to check in on me, if you feel inclined.

Who knows, maybe I’ll inspire you to your own sabbatical, or least a longer break than you’re accustomed to.

So here I go…

(And while I’m away, remember to Marry YourSelf First!!)