Nature teaches us the importance of rhythms. There are seasons throughout a year. There are growth cycles, breeding cycles in animals, and patterns that repeat themselves.
I have found that this approach to rhythms in my own life have played a huge role in my own emotional, spiritual, and mental health or development.
Here is a pattern that has been profoundly fruitful for me, when I’ve remained disciplined enough to maintain it: Divert Daily, Withdraw Weekly, Calibrate Quarterly, and Abandon Annually. Here is how this works in my own life:
Divert Daily: multiple times throughout the day, take small breaks to change the pace, pattern, or environment of the day. I love 17-minute naps, with a timer, or short walks, or standing in the sunshine when it chooses to arrive. Other ideas are short YouTube videos about your favorite hobbies, a chapter of a book, a snack, or a drive. Break up the day with little diversions that are also life-giving.
Withdraw Weekly: Jesus said that God created the Sabbath for our benefit, not His. It is a powerful discipline to have an entire day that has zero work obligations, the freedom to nap or reflect, and community joy with family or friends. I have found that the Jewish idea of sunset to sunset makes this an even easier habit to accomplish.
Calibrate Quarterly: For this I take a quarterly prayer and study retreat of at least two nights and three days. Sometimes, coming out of a very busy or stressful season, I sleep almost an entire day of it. Other times, I have tons of energy and hit the floor enthusiastically listening to God, learning from reading, or practicing other forms of worship and meditation. Change of place + change of pace = change of perspective.
Abandon Annually: This is the full week to three weeks (if you can get at least two back-to-back it’s best) of completely vacating your vocational responsibilities. This is for fun, relaxation, family connection and experiences, etc.
When I have practiced this pattern of rhythms, I have not experienced depression or despair, and my fears and dreams receive appropriate leadership from a healthy sense of self.
Give it a try and let me know how it goes! If I can help you with some ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out.