Echoes From The Past

I never truly anticipate when insights will resurface, but from time to time, they do. This morning, as I settled into my meditation, my mind drifted, as it often does, to the quietude of my sabbatical and the enduring lessons etched into my spirit during that transformative period.

Life in the “monastery” was defined by a beautiful, stark simplicity. We possessed remarkably little, our worldly belongings confined to a small cubicle shared with five other brothers. Everything I owned or needed—clothing, shoes, even my bulky work boots which, given my size, occupied a significant portion of my allotted space—had to fit within a single, modest locker. The imperative for tidiness was absolute; maintaining a clean and orderly personal space was not merely a preference but a necessity, lest one incur the gentle, yet firm, disapproval of your cube mates. Yet, amidst this deliberate lack, I found myself wanting for nothing. Each day brought precisely what was required, no more, no less. The liberation found in this absence of materiality was profound, a lightness I hadn’t realized I craved.

While the days were rich with human connection among my brothers and the occasional visitor, the ache for my wife, family, and friends from the world beyond was more potent than I could have imagined. If there is one singular, indelible lesson gleaned from my sabbatical, it is the immeasurable value of family and love. These were the true pillars of my prior existence, and their preciousness only magnified upon my return. The spoken word, I realized, paled in comparison to the tangible presence of my wife, children, and sisters. Their physical proximity, their warmth, their very being, spoke volumes that no words could ever convey.

These recurring moments, when my thoughts are dominated by those days of intentional detachment, are invaluable. They serve as potent reminders, grounding me in what truly matters and fostering a deep, abiding gratitude for the family that enriches my life beyond measure. It’s in these reflections that the subtle yet powerful grace of that time away continues to shape my understanding of what it means to be truly fulfilled.