Sabbath Practice Pt. 3
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,
Today we’re talking about Sabbath being a command, or a divine directive— but in the context of healing from trauma, this “command” can easily become slightly misconstrued, or even triggering, for those who have experienced trauma within controlling religious environments or abuse of power dynamics. This is why we want to approach the language within our spiritual formation practices with care.
In the midst of your healing journey, know that Jesus' invitation to stillness isn't a demand, but a gentle whisper of grace. He understands the storms that have raged within you, the constant hum of hypervigilance, the exhaustion that settles deep in your bones. His call to 'be still and know' isn't about ignoring your pain, but about finding a safe harbor within it. He offers a refuge where your weary soul can find respite, where your nervous system can begin to quiet, and where his healing presence can permeate the broken places.
In those moments of stillness, even when they feel fragile or fleeting, you're not alone. He's there, holding space for your vulnerability, offering comfort, and gently guiding you toward a deeper sense of peace. Allow yourself to rest in his love, trusting that in his stillness, strength and restoration are found.
—Sarah
RECLAIMING REST AS A SACRED COMMAND AND A PATHWAY TO HEALING
PART THREE: FINDING SANCTUARY IN STILLNESS
Often, trauma disrupts our internal rhythms, leaving us in a state of hypervigilance and dysregulation. The invitation to Sabbath, therefore, is not a suggestion, but a profound directive to honor our need for restorative stillness. It's a recognition that healing requires more than just processing painful experiences; it demands a conscious and compassionate slowing down, a deliberate creation of space where our nervous systems can find sanctuary and begin to mend.
EXPLORING THE COMMAND
The commandment to Sabbath in Exodus 20:8-11 says, “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Work six days and do everything you need to do. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to God, your God. Don’t do any work—not you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your servant, nor your maid, nor your animals, not even the foreign guest visiting in your town. For in six days God made Heaven, Earth, and sea, and everything in them; he rested on the seventh day. Therefore God blessed the Sabbath day; he set it apart as a holy day.”
Without unpacking the details, how does this command feel in light of your (or a loved one’s) trauma experience? Does it feel like a burden, or an invitation?
Take a moment to reflect on and journal (or discuss) your feelings about rest and its connection to your healing journey.
UNDERSTANDING REST AS REPAIR
We’ve learned a little bit about how trauma disrupts the nervous system, leading to hyper vigilance and dysregulation. With trauma, even when we might feel physically exhausted and ready for some down time, it can actually be challenging to get our bodies to that state of calm. At times, it can take a little bit of grounding work to slow those racing thoughts, even when you’re in a quiet and safe environment. Or sometimes, even when the mind is in a state of calm, the body is still on high alert, and you’re experiencing things like shortness of breath or a pounding in the chest.
It is crucial to understand that rest is not passive, it’s an active process of repair, allowing time and attention to the mind and body to restore. It can take a little bit of work to let our bodies know that it is safe to rest and digest.
How does your body communicate its need for rest? Take a moment to journal or discuss with your table.
CREATING A SANCTUARY OF STILLNESS
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” This passage emphasizes God's strength and presence as a refuge and source of comfort during times of national crisis or personal turmoil, urging people to trust in God even amidst chaos. The Hebrew definition of ‘be still’ is to stop striving, to let go, and surrender.
Let’s take a moment to think about some activities that promote feelings of stillness, as opposed to those that might trigger anxiety or hyperarousal. Pick 2 or 3 activities that you’d like to incorporate into your Sabbath this week to help you let go, inviting stillness over your mind, body, and soul, and surrendering into God’s safe presence.
gentle yoga or stretching
belly or box-breathing
taking a slow walk
contemplative prayer
listening to calming music or nature sounds
taking a relaxing bath
doing a bodyscan
“safe place” practice
petting an animal
grounding (barefoot in grass, sand, or dirt)
mindful eating
journaling
sketching or painting
gentle massage
birdwatching
aromatherapy
What are some other activities you might enjoy? Feel free to be creative.
HONORING EMOTIONAL NEEDS & RECLAIMING AUTONOMY
Remember that rest is an act of reclaiming autonomy. It’s a way to assert control over your own body and time, after feeling that loss of control. It’s so important to make choices that honor your needs and boundaries, saying “no” to what doesn’t serve you in this healing space, and also, allowing yourself the freedom to change your mind or your plans at any time is very important. Healing from trauma is not linear, so make sure you are checking in with yourself often this week.
OPTIONAL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
How does your nervous system typically react when you try to relax or be still?
What thoughts or emotions tend to arise when you try to be still?
How can we practice self-compassion when we find it challenging to be still?
How can we integrate moments of stillness into our daily lives and relationships?