3. How to experience a Sabbatical
In rites of passage, the time between is called the liminal space or liminality. It’s a time of dissolution. With regard to Sabbaticals, at this stage, you are past the ending of your transition and the letting go of what was, and you are now in the in between stage or neutral zone before you are to become something new. Yet, this period of time isn’t neutral at all. It’s the time when most of the “work” happens. Your sabbatical actually falls into this period of liminality and can serve as a crucible, the time of forging something new. It’s like being on your own Hero’s Journey where you’ll face challenges and temptations and experience transformation.
I think this is important to keep in mind, because if you are like me, you’ll experiences ups and downs of emotions along the way.
I share this so you aren’t surprised and can better manage and quiet any negative emotions, while still honoring them. Perhaps some won’t experience moments of being down. Depending on your stage of life and state of mind entering your sabbatical, it may all be blissful. If so, wonderful for you!
Each person who takes a Sabbatical will have their own unique action list or way they plan to use their time.
So here, having lived through the Sabbatical experience, I offer 10 tips on ways of Being and Doing during your sabbatical, regardless of the actions you take:
Being:
Be present. Take in all the goodness of this time for yourself. Squash any anxiety. Enjoy the day to day, because you won’t get that day back. You can come back to the worrying later.
Be in the process. Don’t rush it. Enjoy the journey.
Be an adventurer. Try things you would have never done. Explore the unexpected or serendipitous path.
Be accepting of all emotions. Know that you might feel differently each day or each week. Know you will experience ups and downs, which is true all throughout our life.
Be in awe. Find resilience in the wonder of what’s around you.
Be inspired. Let yourself be taken by experiences, books, stories, people, and so on.
Be inquisitive. Seek to learn and grow during this time.
Be patient. Trust in the process. Sure, you’ll wonder and doubt what may come of this time but continue on. Push through.
Be comfortable with not getting anything done.
Be kid-like. Have fun and play!
Doing:
Have a script. What do you want to tell whom about what you are doing now?
Pay attention to what shows up. You don’t necessarily have to act on everything but acknowledge and take note.
Write daily. Capture what you are experiencing so you can reference it and draw threads when you’re coming out the other side.
Follow your curiosities. Explore what you spark to. Allow yourself to be drawn towards what attracts you in the moment.
Allow yourself to wander—physically and mentally.
Indulge in small things that make you happy.
Stay in the unknowing. Don’t make decisions yet.
Avoid long to do’s. Allow more freedom.
Bring structure to your day. Too much freedom can become debilitating and unnerving.
Leverage your support system—both your immediate family and community and those who are going through a similar thing (your communitas) to keep you focused and in the right state of mind.