Sabbath Practice Pt. 4
Spiritual formation through Sabbath is a profound practice that invites us to realign our lives with God's rhythms. It's more than just taking a day off; it's about entering into a space of intentional rest, reflection, and renewal.
Dear Underdogs,
Delight, that spark of joy and pleasure, can often feel incredibly distant when recovering from trauma. However, it's not unattainable. It's about finding ways to gently reintroduce those moments of lightness and pleasure into your life, while honoring your healing process. This week’s Sabbath practice, we are talking about delighting in what’s good. It’s not about forcing happiness, but creating a safe and predictable environment where joy can naturally arise. Simple moments, like enjoying a warm drink or listening to your favorite music, can be sources of joy. Engaging in meaningful connections with friends or family, while prioritizing safe relationships and set boundaries, allows for shared moments of delight. Wherever you are at, gently and mindfully engaging in pleasures that feel secure to you, you can gradually reintroduce moments of joy and delight into your life.
When we take part in enjoyable activities, we can even help ourselves remain grounded and present in our bodies. If you enjoy a meal on your Sabbath, experiment a little by slowing down, taking in each bite with all of your senses, and giving thanks. Notice the laughter of your loved ones, or the notes of the background music. If you spend some time outdoors, notice the colors and textures all around you. The crunch of leaves under your feet, the sound of birds nearby, the colors of the sunset. Whatever it may be, practice a little slowness and gratitude toward the things that may normally go unnoticed, and notice how your body might feel in these moments.
Remember that practicing self-compassion and gratitude, celebrating the small victories, and prioritizing your own self-care gives way for your emotions to really flourish in this practice. It’s so important to honor your own individual pace, reintroducing delight gradually, listening to your body’s signals, and allowing for some variability in your Sabbath experience. We can acknowledge that some Sabbaths will naturally feel less joyful than others, and that’s okay. Reclaiming delight during trauma recovery is such a delicate process, and even the act of intentionally creating space for rest and delight to arise naturally is an enormous step in your healing journey that deserves celebrating.
—Sarah
WEEK FOUR: SABBATH AS A SANCTUARY FOR CULTIVATING JOY AND DELIGHT
If you're finding your Sabbath practice a quiet space for healing, know that inviting joy back in can be a gentle unfolding. It doesn't have to be a sudden burst, but rather like the slow dawn after a long night. Allow yourself to notice the small glimmers – the comforting weight of a blanket, the taste of something nourishing, the peaceful rhythm of your breath. These tiny sparks are like little affirmations, whispering that light still exists within and around you. Be patient with yourself; let joy re-enter at its own pace, a soft and tender companion on your journey towards wholeness.
Now, let’s take a moment to set an intention for delight this week and approach this time with an open heart.
RECLAIMING SENSORY DELIGHT
We believe God created all things with great purpose, whether it’s something that is detrimental to sustaining life, or just for the sheer purpose of giving us enjoyment. He created life to function, but also to be savored. I often think about the fact that while there is so much pain and evil in existence, there is also so much goodness naturally all around us. Chocolate didn’t have to taste so good. Flowers didn’t need to smell so fresh and sweet. Great constellations didn’t even need to be visible to our eyes, and yet, we get to enjoy so much all around us every day, even on this side of heaven. Genesis 1:31 says, “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” (ESV)
Take a moment to think of some of your favorite sensory delights. We have practiced the 5,4,3,2,1 grounding technique when difficult emotions arise, but right now, think of a few of your favorite things to behold visually, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes, just for your own delight. Write them down! Maybe you have an all-time favorite record to listen or move to, or that nothing beats the scent of fresh ground coffee first thing in the morning… or perhaps the soft brush of fur and low vibration of your cat’s purring on your lap as you settle in before bed is what brings you deep comfort.
What are your personal sensory delights, and how can you take a moment to enjoy those things, while giving thanks to the One who created them today? Take 2 or 3 minutes to journal.
EMBRACING PLAY & CREATIVITY
Now that you’ve identified some of your favorite sensory delights, make a plan to enjoy some of them through playing and creative expression. Embrace the lightness of play and the freedom of creativity as gentle avenues for true joy. Allow yourself to be drawn into playful activities, whether it's the simple act of putting color to paper, the comforting presence of a pet, the immersive experience of music, or the release of gentle movement. Explore creative outlets that call to you, without judgment or expectation, simply for the inherent pleasure of expression and the quiet joy that can blossom when you allow yourself to create.
If you are at a table group, take a minute to share those things that bring you joy and freedom through play and creativity, and how you might implement one of those ideas into your Sabbath practice this week.
If you find comfort and safety in the presence of loved ones, consider intentionally connecting with those in your life who reflect God's love and bring you genuine joy. Perhaps reach out to share a lighthearted moment, noticing how their laughter or kind words resonate as echoes of life’s goodness. Or, you might watch a funny movie together, allowing the shared amusement to be a simple, joyful experience. When that laughter bubbles up, let it flow freely… a joyful expression of the happiness found in safe community. As important as it is to share our authentic heartache and struggles with trusted friends, intentionally engaging in conversations that lift your spirits and remind you of what’s good is imperative to your growth and mental well-being. These connections can serve as gentle reminders of God's love manifested in the relationships that enrich our lives.
Who in your life do you connect with? Take a moment to identify those individuals who bring you joy. Maybe make a point to connect with them this week, whether it’s getting together in person, or giving them a phone call on your Sabbath.
CULTIVATING CONNECTION & LAUGHTER
HONORING MOMENTS OF DELIGHT AS HEALING
It’s important to understand that trauma can sometimes dim our ability to perceive joy, and therefore, actively cultivating delight becomes an act of reclaiming your sense of self and gently coaxing your nervous system towards balance. Recognize that these small moments are not trivial; they are vital threads in the tapestry of healing. Be patient and compassionate with yourself, acknowledging that some days, finding delight may feel challenging, and that is perfectly okay. Practice the simple act of noticing those moments of joy, no matter how small. Maybe it is helpful for you to keep a journal with you, jotting things down as you notice, recognizing that joy and delight are not frivolous, but are essential to healing. Allow space for variability, and do not judge yourself for days where delight is hard to come by. Remember that cultivating delight is an ongoing practice, and that it is a valid and vital part of your healing journey. Carrying joy and pain at the same time is ultimately holy and most human. Jesus understands this dichotomy, and is walking alongside you every step of the journey.
OPTIONAL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What does “delight” feel like for you, especially within the context of your Sabbath practice?
Have you noticed any resistance or challenges in embracing delight during your Sabbath? If so, what are they?
How does the idea of Sabbath delight contrast with a more duty-bound or restrictive understanding of Sabbath?
How can we adapt our Sabbath practices to better incorporate activities that bring us delight?
How can we be gentle with ourselves on days when delight feels elusive during our Sabbath?