Early this year I recall reading an article in a Sunday paper about how women were having these wow of a time weekends with their “girlfriends”. Heavens forbid leaving their husbands to look after the family whilst they went a
way to recharge with friends! A chance to share stories of how life rolls in their family and getting support from friends who “got it” It came up in class that week and there was a general discussion over it with most putting their six pennies in …. I clearly remember looking over to a wonderful participant that I have known for a long time ,a mum of 3 grown children now, and both of us grinning confirming our stamp of approval. Most of you know how much I love my “BMW’s – Big Mothers Weekend“ girls and we live for our annual 3 days away and love the time we spend together – 12 years in the making now and we don’t miss a year unless we get an absent letter from our mum!!! This is small scale when talking sabbatical though …..
So if our children can have a gap year because they don’t know what to do with their life, why can’t we as grown adults have a sabbatical? There are many names for this year of “absence”, some may also refer to it as taking Wunderlast (a german word meaning an irresistibly strong desire to travel or wander) or Vagabonding (wandering around with purpose) Rolf Potts wrote about this in his book Vagabonding. I do like the term Vagabond it has a real alternative feel about it.
I will be honest I have seriously considered “Vangabonding”. When I mentioned this to friends they
find it interesting that I yearn for such time away. Don’t I have the best job in the world, fantastic family and wonderful friends how could I possibly be away from all of that ! Well….. firstly I would not wander too far and most defiantly always have my family and friends close by.
I truly feel that as I gradually approach my half century and with some people around me that have had more than their fair share of bumps along the road I don’t want to regret not living a life that has purpose. You might recall from last months newsletter one of the things people regret upon dying!
As much as I love my work, to be honest 20 years of working 4 nights a week and half a day Saturday is challenging and restrictive. Coming home to eat dinner by yourself at 9.30pm most nights and not being able to go to evening functions or events or being with your family at night is difficult. Though some might say that’s fantastic!!!!
So why would I like to do some Vagabonding?? My life as a yoga teacher has made me so aware of the importance of having a purpose in life. Teaching has made me grateful in knowing that my purpose is to help others understand how to live a life that is abundant both physically, spiritually and mentally. This is a tough gig and to be honest it’s physically and emotionally demanding. I am a tough critic on myself, and want to know that whatever I do is my best no cutting corners and putting in 100%. I like everyone sometimes doubt myself and wonder if what I am doing is my best and suggest to myself “if only I had more time I could do so much more”.
I would like to think that to have some time “off” to Vagabond would mean I;
– would learn to stress less about the things that really don’t matter;
– appreciate how other cultures live and survive;
– experience a fulfilling existence without a big price tag;
– find inspiration to give back to communities that need me most;
– get to reflect on the past and make any changes that would allow me to be better balanced and harmonious in my life;
– have more spaciouness and quietness in my life to go slow and truly appreciate all life has to offer
– reboot my energy.
So if my daughter can defer second semester to work out what she really wants to do I think that after working for 32 years without any break other than annual leave I can too!
Would you ever consider it?
Live with integrity,
Love what you do,
Laugh more often,
Listen to your heart.
Leesa xx