Learning to Balance Service and Self-Care

Dr Chandra Shekhar Azad
Sabbatical Dates: 1st October 2025 - 31st March 2026

After nearly four decades of continuous engagement in social development work, the sabbatical offered me a rare and valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate. It allowed me to step away from daily operational responsibilities and reconnect with myself, my family, and the deeper purpose that drives my work in the social sector. The four-month journey became a meaningful period of physical healing, spiritual exploration, learning, and long-term visioning for the future of Vikalp Foundation.

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How I Spent My Sabbatical
During the sabbatical period, I consciously balanced personal wellness, spiritual learning, family time, and intellectual exploration.

A significant part of my time was devoted to health recovery and rejuvenation through Ayurvedic practices, including learning about medicinal herbs and traditional healing systems. Being a practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), this journey helped me reconnect with the classical wisdom of Ayurveda and explore indigenous medicinal plants through field visits and interactions with traditional practitioners.

Another meaningful aspect of my sabbatical was traveling with my family across culturally and spiritually significant locations in India. We visited places such as Srinagar, Kanyakumari, Rameswaram, Tirupati, and the Andaman Islands. These journeys allowed me to experience the diversity and spiritual depth of the country while also spending valuable time with my loved ones—something that had been difficult during my years of professional commitment.

I also participated in meditation and spiritual learning, which helped deepen my inner awareness and emotional clarity. These practices allowed me to reflect on life, leadership, and the meaning of service in a calmer and more mindful manner.

Alongside these experiences, I dedicated time to reading and knowledge building, collecting books across fiction, non-fiction, and Ayurvedic sciences to build a personal library that can serve as a long-term learning resource.

Reflections and Questions that Emerged
The sabbatical created space for deeper reflection on both my personal journey and the future of the organization.

One key reflection was around the importance of balance between service and self-care. For many years, the urgency of development work meant that personal wellbeing often took a secondary place. This break reminded me that sustaining long-term social change requires leaders to also care for their own physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Another important reflection related to leadership transition and institutional sustainability. I began thinking more consciously about how organizations like Vikalp Foundation must invest in second- and third-line leadership to ensure continuity and resilience.

Memories That Will Stay with Me
Several memories from this sabbatical remain deeply meaningful.

Watching the sunrise at Kanyakumari, where the three oceans meet, was a powerful reminder of unity and continuity in nature. Similarly, the spiritual atmosphere of Rameswaram and Tirupati offered moments of deep reflection and gratitude.

Equally memorable were the quiet moments spent with family during travel—conversations, shared experiences, and laughter that strengthened our personal bonds.

Challenges During the Sabbatical
One of the initial challenges I experienced was mentally detaching from organizational responsibilities. After decades of constant engagement, it was not easy to completely step away from daily decisions and program management.

However, gradually I learned to trust the capable leadership team within the organization and allow them the space to lead. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of delegation and leadership development.

Insights and Learnings for the Future
The sabbatical provided several valuable insights that I hope to integrate into both my personal life and professional work.

Firstly, I plan to continue practicing meditation and Ayurvedic wellness routines as part of my daily life.

Secondly, the time for reflection strengthened my commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders within Vikalp Foundation. Building institutional systems and leadership capacity will be a priority in the coming years.

I also hope to document experiences and learnings from decades of grassroots work, which can serve as inspiration and guidance for younger social workers and development practitioners.

Sense of Rest and Wellbeing
Yes, the sabbatical has given me a renewed sense of rest, clarity, and wellbeing. I returned with greater energy and a more balanced perspective toward work and life. The break allowed me to reconnect with my purpose and approach my responsibilities with a refreshed mindset.

Response from Family and Colleagues
My family was very supportive and happy that I finally took time to rest and travel with them. The journey strengthened our relationships and created cherished memories.

Within the organization, my colleagues took the opportunity to assume greater responsibilities and leadership roles. It was encouraging to see the team manage programs effectively during my absence.

Feedback for The Cocoon Initiative
I am deeply grateful to The Cocoon Initiative for creating this thoughtful opportunity for social sector leaders. The process was well-structured and supportive.

One suggestion would be to create a platform where sabbatical fellows can interact and share their experiences with each other, which could further enrich learning and peer support.

Advice for Others Planning a Sabbatical
For anyone planning to take a sabbatical, I would strongly recommend embracing the time as a journey of self-discovery rather than simply a break from work.

Prepare your team and systems well in advance so that the organization can function smoothly in your absence. Once the sabbatical begins, allow yourself to fully disconnect from routine work and immerse yourself in reflection, learning, and rejuvenation.

A sabbatical is not just a pause—it is an opportunity to return with renewed vision, clarity, and purpose.