What if every 7 years we nourished with a year of rest?

Last June I was inspired by Aharon Ariel Levi, an Israeli economist, who led a talk about the Jewish concept of Shnat Shmita - a year of release.

Speaking as one of today's JobSeekers this concept has struck a chord with me. 

Six plentiful years, one year of rest.

Just as in many faiths there is a seventh day of rest, the concept of Shnat Shmita, follows a similar principle. Only this time it is a whole year of rest. Six years of work, one year of rest. The biblical concept refers just to the land, where the land is to be left alone for the year, although you can pick what grows naturally during over the course of the year. 

The rationale for Shnat Shmita is that the earth needs a rest and that if we practice Shmita, the higher powers will ensure the other 6 years are plentiful. 

This concept has obviously stayed with me and in the current times I am now reframing life today as a form of Shmita. (The next real Shmita starts in September 2021.) I am curious about how that concept might play out in our 21st century tech-driven fast-paced lives. 

Let’s be clear. I am not talking to the 3M 15% or Google 20% of time in the ongoing working week where employees can focus on anything of interest to them. Instead I am talking about a sizeable chunk of time, with no demands from your existing work, something akin to a sabbatical.

What if you knew that every 7th year you would have to enjoy a year of nourishment at home? And rather than be caught out unexpectedly, what if you knew it was coming? What would you want to achieve in that year, a year that feels like a gift of time, something we all say we don't have enough of?

Making the most of the gift of time

Here is my list:

1) I'd be looking to learn Hebrew. A language I have picked up about 4 times over the years and never cracked but keep coming back to.

2) I'd be looking to connect with those people who have a special place in my heart. Some would be people I say I just haven't had the time to call recently. A recently that has now become nine months.

3) I'd be reading those books I diligently bought and optimistically thought I would have time for! I thrive on learning something valuable that I can share with others, now and in the future. I expect this will inspire my next career pivot. 

4) I'd be giving more within the various communities I am part of. Maybe regularly chopping veggies again at the kitchen where I used to volunteer?

5) I'd be cooking healthy food and getting fitter. And practicing more regular sleeping habits. Michael Mosley, I am heading your way again!

Sow the seeds today for tomorrow

I recently enjoyed watching Stefan Sagmeister's TED Talk about his planned sabbaticals. He is a New York designer who has the discipline (and funds) to take a sabbatical. Doors closed for a year - and even turning down a gig with the Obamas. He shares that the success of his post-sabbatical years all stemmed from work he did during his fallow year. For him it has always been a chance to renew, refresh and re-energise.

If you are like me, and currently very (financially) underemployed, how can you make this year one of the most worthwhile of your life? How can you use it to give you an advantage when the new normal emerges? Maybe even a head start on those who are fortunate enough to still be employed? 

Let's do it! I'd love to hear how you progress.