Time of letting go, re-centering and rediscovering purpose

By ​A.K. Nehru, Secretary, Community Seva Centre (Sabbatical Dates: 1 February, 2025 to 30 April, 2025)

1. How did you spend your time during your sabbatical?
My sabbatical was not just a pause from routine but a deeply healing and transformative journey— both inward and outward. It was a time of letting go, re-centering, and rediscovering purpose.

The first 15 days were spent in the serene backwaters of Kerala, undergoing traditional Ayurvedic treatment for chronic pain and stress. This phase brought both physical relief and emotional release. From there, I traveled to Kasi (Varanasi), Haridwar, and Rishikesh, immersing myself in prayer, meditation, and sacred rituals at the Triveni Sangam and other pilgrim centers. These spiritual experiences anchored me in stillness and awe.

The rest of the sabbatical was spent in quietude—reading, journaling, walking, and reflecting on the many seasons of my life. It was a rare and sacred time to just be.

2. What reflections emerged during your sabbatical?
During my sabbatical, one of the most profound realizations was how deeply we normalize stress, overwork, and disconnection in both our personal and professional lives. As someone who has spent decades in social service and leadership, I had unconsciously absorbed the belief that constant doing, urgency, and sacrifice were signs of dedication and commitment. But over time, this belief quietly drained my energy, joy, and clarity. Without realizing it, I was inching toward burnout.

Burnout doesn’t arrive suddenly—it builds up gradually. It begins with fatigue and ends with a quiet numbness. I began to notice how I had lost touch with my inner stillness, how my body was always tense, and how decision-making started feeling like a burden rather than a responsibility. I was present physically but emotionally and mentally scattered.

This sabbatical gave me the space to slow down, rest, and truly listen—to my body, my thoughts, and my spirit. For the first time in years, I could breathe without deadlines, wake up without pressure, and simply be. This space allowed me to see clearly that rest is not a reward after work—it is a fundamental human need and a vital part of sustainable leadership.

I began to see that true leadership is not about doing more, but about being more present—more grounded, more attentive, and more open. I realized how powerful clarity, compassion, and creativity can be when they are rooted in stillness rather than busyness.

This period reminded me that in order to care for others, we must first care for ourselves. Replenishment is not selfish—it’s strategic. A well-rested mind sees further, listens better, and leads more wisely.

I return from this sabbatical with a renewed understanding that sustainable service must include self- care, and that wellbeing is not the opposite of work—it is what makes meaningful work possible.

3. What memory has stayed with you?
Standing at the banks of the Ganges at sunrise in Varanasi is a moment etched in my soul. The sound of temple bells, the chants, the river’s timeless flow—it reminded me of the perishability of life and the deep peace that comes with surrender.

4. What did you struggle with during your sabbatical?
Initially, I struggled with the guilt of taking time off and the discomfort of slowing down after decades of constant activity. There were moments of restlessness and doubt—but these eventually gave way to acceptance and healing.

5. What insights or learning’s do you plan to implement?
I return with a deep commitment to cultivate a more mindful and balanced leadership style. I plan to integrate practices such as short daily reflections, regular check-ins with team members for emotional wellbeing, and dedicating time for strategic visioning rather than constant operational tasks.

6. Do you feel a sense of rest and wellbeing post-sabbatical?
Yes, I feel deeply rested, realigned, and more at peace than I have in years. The physical benefits from Ayurvedic treatments and the emotional-spiritual renewal have left me more centered and resilient.

7. How did your colleagues and family respond to your sabbatical?
My colleagues were supportive and held space with maturity and understanding. My family appreciated the shift they saw in me—calmer, more present, and less reactive. It deepened our bonds.

8. Feedback to The Cocoon Initiative
The Cocoon Initiative held the space for this sabbatical with generosity, trust, and flexibility. I am grateful for the freedom to shape the experience in a way that felt authentic.

Suggestion: Consider organizing peer-sharing sessions—either virtually or in person—among sabbatical-takers. This would create a living archive of wisdom, foster connection, and inspire others on similar journeys.

9. Advice for others planning a sabbatical
Don’t wait for the perfect conditions or external validation. Begin by listening to the quiet inner longing. Trust the call. Go—not to escape—but to remember who you are beyond roles and responsibilities. The stillness will guide you more surely than any plan