Balancing the Inner and Outer Journey

By Sajal Kanti Kayal (Sabbatical from 1st May 2024 to 31st July 2024)

In the nonprofit sector, we're often driven by purpose — yet pulled in all directions. Juggling travel, community commitments, meetings, and deadlines, we sometimes forget to check in with ourselves. My three-month sabbatical, supported by The Cocoon Initiative, gave me the space to do exactly that.
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Between May and July 2024, I consciously stepped away from my regular routine to focus on something we often neglect — self. What unfolded was a period of profound reflection, meaningful connection, and powerful learning.

Learning to Slow Down: Mindfulness & MeditationMy journey began at the Vipassana Centre in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, with an 11-day silent meditation course. This was followed by a 7-day Inner Engineering session at the Isha Foundation. These weren’t just wellness retreats — they were inner resets.
These practices deepened my awareness of the present moment, helping me disentangle from habitual work-related thoughts. Initially, it was difficult to detach. But with mindful discipline, I created space between myself and the constant drive to “do.” That gap made room for clarity, stillness, and new perspectives.

One insight stood out: inner work is essential to meaningful outer work. And that balance must be nurtured with intention.

Rediscovering Family, Reclaiming Time
A highlight of my sabbatical was a long-overdue trip to Uttarakhand with my family. For years, my professional responsibilities — especially extensive travel — had limited our time together. This trip became a chance to reconnect and simply enjoy each other’s company.

The mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and slow pace reminded me that rejuvenation doesn't need to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up for your loved ones, undistracted.
This experience reminded me that work-life balance isn't a luxury — it's a necessity for sustainable leadership.

Stepping into Learning and Leadership
During the sabbatical, I also invested in my professional growth. I joined a leadership development training that covered:

• Project design
• Organizational culture and structure
• Fundraising and grant writing
• Social good communication
• Governance frameworks

The sessions were not only insightful but energizing. I walked away with practical tools, renewed clarity, and mentorship that I know will serve both me and my organization for years to come.

In the space of rest, I found room to level up.

Reading, Reflection, and Intellectual Renewal
Another key part of my sabbatical involved reading — both fiction and non-fiction. I immersed myself in stories and ideas across:

• Startups and entrepreneurship
• Development theory
• Leadership and personal growth

Fiction expanded my empathy and imagination. Non-fiction sharpened my strategy and articulation. Together, they enriched how I think about my role in the development space.

I also visited other field organizations, like Sundaraika Bartika, to learn from peers and build new networks. These interactions broadened my perspective, giving me a fresh appreciation for collaborative learning across sectors.

Challenges Along the Way
Letting go of work — even temporarily — wasn’t easy. The temptation to check in, to stay updated, lingered in the early days. But slowly, I learned to honor the sabbatical as sacred space — a time not to perform or produce, but simply to pause and process.

This process of detachment was its own lesson. It taught me how vital it is to establish boundaries and embrace the present.

What I’m Taking Forward
The sabbatical offered me more than rest — it recalibrated my approach to life and leadership. Going forward, I aim to:

• Create mindful pauses even in the midst of work
• Integrate personal well-being into organizational culture
• Continue investing in learning and reflection
• Prioritize time with loved ones as an essential part of success

This wasn’t just a break — it was a blueprint for more intentional living.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead
I’m deeply grateful to The Cocoon Initiative for making this experience possible. Their support reflects a rare understanding — that leadership in the social sector must be nourished not just with resources, but with rest, reflection, and renewal.

To my peers in the development space: if you’re feeling stretched thin, uncertain, or out of sync — consider taking a sabbatical. Not to escape, but to return stronger. The clarity you find might just surprise you.

Let us normalize restoration, not just resilience. Because the most transformative work begins within.