Burnout as a spiritual innovator can sneak in slowly. What once felt energizing now drains you, your motivation dims, and even the most joyful parts of your project begin to feel like a chore. You might feel trapped by what you’ve built, unsure how to keep going but too responsible to stop. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or ungrateful—it means you’re human, and probably have been carrying too much for too long. The most important first step in this situation is to recognize and name what you’re experiencing. And second, to pause or ask for help.
During COVID, Michael Plank, who is both a Presbyterian minister and the co-founder of Underwood Park CrossFit, decided to take on the twin spiritual disciplines of generosity and accepting useful help when it was offered. Over time, learning to accept help when offered helped him develop to ask for help, too–and he now relies on a wide network of friends and colleagues to sustain his work.
But sometimes outside help and pausing isn’t enough, and you’ll need to plan to transition out of the work–that’s okay too. Your worth isn’t tied to keeping something alive just because you started it. Letting go, or stepping back, can be a wise, loving, and even sacred decision.
Tools to support you when you feel close to burn out
In addition to stepping back your leadership or an extended retreat, here are some short-term support tools to explore.
Start by checking out this self-love playlist from Prentis Hemphill or this rest meditation from Tricia Hersey, the Nap Bishop. Notice how your body responds to resting.
A healing and justice organization offering retreats, research, and spiritual sanctuary. An anchor of the integrative cancer care and environmental health fields since 1976.
A People's Mental Health Movement: Sawubona and the Rise of Healing Circles
Video on African community-centered collective care and support. References articles and gatherings that address burn-out, collective trauma and grief through healing circles.
