THE SABBATH ECONOMY
“Mindfulness is a certain way of paying attention that is healing, that is restorative, that is reminding you of who you actually are so that you don’t wind up getting entrained into being a human doing rather than a human being.” — Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn
In society's efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and our environmental impact, we often overlook the cultural dimensions that could make a difference.
As a family and as a business, we honor the age-old wisdom of Sabbath rest by calling "TIME OUT!" -- stepping away from life's usual routine once a week. Sabbath-keeping is not primarily something we do, but what we don't do. The definition of Sabbath implies an intermission, a day of rest, a day of not working, a day of not consuming. It is sanctified as a time of reflection, a time of refreshment, a period of rest and renewal. It’s about finding a balance in life as we step off of the 24/7 treadmill.
By abstaining from work and certain activities (shopping, etc), we feel more aware of the rejuvenation our planet needs. Plus, we regain the time to slow down, relax and have more humane lives.
Additionally, Sabbath-keeping is an imitation the Creator who created (“worked”) the world in six days and rested on the seventh. He set the day aside and sanctified it (Genesis 2:1-3) as an eternal remembrance of His act of creation. Resting as HE did and heeding His command assist his people to remember Him as Creator and Lawgiver of both His physical and spiritual laws. The Sabbath allows the faithful to reconnect deeply with God and with their identity.
In being lost to ourselves and our usual routines, we can begin to find ourselves anew by exploring solitude, time and our relationships with family. This time out of time renders each day more important. And there is hope that when the chatter of our daily tasks and concerns falls silent, we can listen with fresh ears to the voices of nature and the Creator around us.
