I am familiar with how the Sabbath weaves through the Old Testament.

The first thing that comes to my mind is not working, turning on (or off) light switches, no television, avoiding cooking, etc.

Chores should be finished before sundown on Friday night and paused until Saturday’s sun has set.

A practitioner’s time is focused on family, catching up on sleep, and perhaps a stroll in the neighborhood.

The World Seems to be Always “On.”

I sometimes feel that I live in a world that is always “on.”

You probably do, too.

The relentless hum of notifications, scrolling through reams of information, and the constant stream of notifications can sometimes leave me feeling frazzled and disconnected.

Pausing, reflecting, and renewing help me immensely.

Welcome to my piece on embracing the Shabbat spirit.

And no, I am not just talking to those who observe religiously, but to anyone, regardless of their religious background, seeking a deeper connection to themselves, loved ones, or the world around them.

Exiting the High-Speed Race With No Finish Line

I recently learned about Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath.

Followers observe 25 hours of rest and rejuvenation from Friday sundown to Saturday nightfall.

I am not Jewish, but take this lesson away: I need time to disconnect from the world’s demands.

I want to focus on relationships and simply be.

But Michael, you ask, what are you turning to Torah teachings when you are not Jewish?

Shabbat has no deep religious significance for you, right?

But here’s the thing: Its core principles resonate with me, given my desire to lead a more balanced and meaningful life.

I want to build a pause in my life’s rhythm, reclaiming time for what is truly important to me.

You may or may not be religious, but a designated period of reflection may give you a much-needed respite from your always-on world.

Creating a Pause to Uplug and Reconnect

I constantly engage with technology at work and home.

I read a book every week or two on my Kindle. I blog most Fridays and Saturdays. I subscribe to the Seattle Times, New York Times, and Washington Post. I use my computer to study Japanese and Italian languages. You get the picture.

One of the most striking things about Shabbat is unplugging from technology.

Will I put away my phone, laptop, and other devices for 25 hours?

Frankly, no.

But can I do it in the morning or the evening on a weekend? Sure.

Disconnecting has made me realize how constant streams of information and notifications can leave me a little overwhelmed and anxious.

There is always one more blog to read or one more cancer management article to read.

Without digital distractions, I create space for deeper inner connections and better connections to my loved ones and the world around me.

No devices means sharing a meal with my family or walking in nature. It can also be a moment for quiet reflection.

Without digital distractions, we create space for deeper connections with ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us.

Whether it’s sharing a meal with family, spending time in nature, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, Shabbat encourages us to cultivate meaningful experiences that nourish our souls.

Embrace the Beauty of Simple Being Present

Shabbat invites us to embrace the beauty of slowing down and simply being present.

It’s a time to release the pressure to be productive and to allow ourselves to rest and recharge.

“To gain control of the world of space is certainly one of our tasks. The danger begins when in gaining power in the realm of space we forfeit all aspirations in the realm of time. There is a realm of time where the goal is not to have but to be, not to own but to give, not to control but to share, not to subdue but to be in accord. Life goes wrong when the control of space, the acquisition of things of space, becomes our sole concern.”
― Abraham Joshua Heschel, The Sabbath

I have written about how a leisurely walk helps me find stillness. Quiet contemplation promises greater perspective, clarity, creativity, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Let’s examine some practical ways to pause your life’s rhythm. I guarantee you will cultivate a deeper sense of peace, joy, and connection.

Creating A Pause (How I Embrace the Shabbat Spirit)

Here are a few simple ways to incorporate its principles into your own life:

• Designate a rest day. Choose one day a week to unplug from technology, slow down, and focus on what truly matters. I am not there yet, but trying to carve out a morning or afternoon.
• Create rituals. Whether lighting candles, sharing a meal with loved ones, or spending time in nature, establish meaningful rituals that mark your day of rest.
• Practice mindfulness. Take time each day to be present and fully engage in whatever you’re doing, whether eating, walking, or simply breathing. Yes, mindfulness eating!
• Connect with others. Make time for meaningful interactions with loved ones, friends, and community.

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the spirit of Shabbat offers an oasis of stillness.

By embracing the wisdom of this ancient practice, regardless of our religious orientation, we can reclaim our time, nourish our souls, and cultivate a more balanced and meaningful life.

Thank you for reading “Pause, Reflect, Renew: Embracing the Shabbat Spirit.” I hope you have a joy-filled day.