Practices of Sabbath
During our Sabbath sermon series consider taking on one or more of the following Sabbath practices – or another practice you discover on your own – as perhaps a first step towards rest for your body, mind, and soul. Your Sabbath practice is just that, a practice, which means it doesn’t have to be perfect the first time you try – or ever. Intimidated at starting a Sabbath practice? Start small with a 15-minute Sabbath moment and work your way up to longer Sabbath periods. Remember that Sabbath is not multitasking, it is just Sabbath. Try to avoid tending to or worrying about your to-do list, or making a to-do list comprised of sabbath practices. Sabbath practices are unique and individual to each person. Do what cultivates wholeness and feels life-giving for you!
Sabbath Practices you can do at home:
+ Turn off your cell phone and/or wi-fi with a 24-hour technology fast or something smaller to start off with. This is essential for young and grown (hide the remote and games).
+ Getting 8 hours of sleep a night
+ Yoga – there are tons of youtube videos and apps to get you started on yoga, just like this one. Looking for a class? Check out this list of recommended yoga classes from Yelp or sign up for a class with the Hines Center (link below).
+ Centering Prayer app for iPhones and Androids.
+ Pray as You Go app for iPhones and Androids.
+ Meditations for Kids through Headspace (Find other suggestions for child meditation apps here).
Places you can go for Guided Sabbath Practices and Independent Practices:
+ Hines Center for Spirituality – Participate in yoga, Tai Ji, centering prayer, ballet classes and more as a part of your Sabbath practices. Find more information here.
+ Dominican Sisters of Houston – Walk their grounds and enjoy the labyrinth. Find the address here.
+ Laity lodge – Join a programmed retreat led by staff and volunteers of Laity Lodge or book a stay in the quiet house. More information can be found about all of those things here.
+ Lutherhill in La Grange and the Zion Retreat Center – Join a programmed retreat in La Grange at Camp Lutherhill or at Lutherhill’s Zion Retreat Center in Galveston, or schedule your own event for an intentional time of Sabbath away from home.
Places in and around Houston to be in Creation for your Sabbath:
+ The Arboretum – https://houstonarboretum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/
+ Rest in a hammock and bring a book (not reading required for school or work) – Go to Axelrad or take your own hammock to the park. Need a reading suggestion? Try this article from Bold café and then browse further for more reading on vocation, faith, and relationships.
+ McGovern Centennial Gardens – a favorite of Pr. Ashley and Vicar Morgan’s. You can spend hours here walking around admiring the grounds and stop for a moment to sit and breathe in one of the many alcoves. Find more info here.