Discovering Fall Break

When I first came to Lynchburg College over 23 years ago, the campus observed a time set aside in the fall as “Discovery Weekend” during which faculty, staff, and students were encouraged to spend a few days exploring something beyond the usual subject matter of the semester. I’m sure Clifton Potter could give us a far better historical perspective of the tradition.  However, what I recall is that people often left campus for some kind of academic, professional, or personal enrichment and returned a few days later with a renewed sense of purpose.

Now it seems that “fall break” is simply that – a long weekend where some faculty and staff may play catch up and students often visit their own families or travel home with friends.  Don’t get me wrong – I’m grateful for the change in routine and rhythm, no matter what we call it.  I just miss the more intentional motivation that this weekend once afforded.

In the past, one could look forward to a few days set aside to focus more intentionally on an issue or an activity that was of great interest to them.  Whether engaging in community service, going on a retreat, or visiting museums or other places of historical or cultural significance, both quality and quantity of time was invested in the pursuit of one’s passions.

As we begin this year’s fall break, I hope we might all make an effort to at least spend the time in the spirit of “discovery.”  Rather than simply checking off a few items from our ever growing “to do” list, might we be a little more reflective and contemplative as we go about the business of our days.

If we have academic work that needs to be done, perhaps we can take a little extra time to delve into the part of the subject matter that most sparks our curiosity and piques our imagination.  If we are traveling home to visit with family members, might we make a discovery about those relationships by moving outside our usual comfort zones and engaging in deeper conversations or looking for creative ways to be together?  Long walks, enjoyable board games, or cooking and savoring meals together are just a few ways we might add quality to our interactions.  Even seemingly mundane activities can provide possibilities for enhancing our lives, if we approach them with intentionality.

As the French novelist, Marcel Proust once said:  “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”  Whether we understand the next several days as fall break or an extended weekend or even just the “same old, same old,” may we keep our eyes and our spirits open to the possibility of some new discovery, just waiting to be experienced.

Peace,

Anne