Goodness Weekly 9.22.25
“If busyness can become a kind of violence, Sabbath time—effortless, nourishing rest—can invite a healing of this violence. When we consecrate a time to listen to the still, small voices, we remember the root of inner wisdom that makes work fruitful.”
— Wayne Muller
WHAT’S GOOD
Join us at Charis Park for El Mercado, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market’s 4th Saturday Market, a monthly celebration of Hispanic heritage and the vibrant cultural traditions that make San Antonio unique. From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., you’ll find regenerative farmers, a variety of special vendors offering local favorites (including fresh tamales), and fun activities for the whole family.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this month’s Mercado will feature folklórico performances from 10:00–11:00 a.m., bilingual storytelling in Spanish and English at 9:30 a.m., and a free activity just for kids.
Alarm Bells
Taylor Bates, Deputy Director, Sunset Ridge Collective
This morning our alarm went off when my husband accidently opened the front door before disarming the security system. The shrieking sound that followed was unbearable, and for a moment I couldn’t even think—“what’s the code?” I fumbled the keypad, entered the wrong numbers, and set the alarm off again before finally silencing it.
When I turned around, I saw my four-year-old still calmly eating his breakfast, unfazed. In my discombobulated state, I found this humorous—and oddly instructive. Watching his quiet steadiness pulled me outside of myself for a moment and helped me see just how rattled I had been.
I notice this same pattern in life all the time: how quickly my body and mind react to the many metaphorical alarm bells around me—whether personal or societal. I get flustered, defensive, sometimes even ragey, and unfortunately that energy often spills over onto the people I love most.
But when I remember my son’s response—his instinctive sense that everything was okay—I start to wonder how much of my inner “alarm system” has been conditioned over years, and how I might slowly rewire it.
Of course, our world offers no shortage of alarms. The news cycle alone is enough to keep us in a constant state of alert. But I’ve found I’m more able to respond with calm when I’m rested, unhurried, and practicing rhythms that create space.
Recently, my family has been experimenting with Sabbath. I’ve been reading Wayne Mueller’s book Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives, where he describes the Jewish tradition of Sabbath: from the sighting of three stars on Friday evening until the sighting of three stars on Saturday night, work is set aside—not just physically, but mentally. It’s a time to unplug from the internet, the news, social media, and instead be present with the people around you, share meals, walk in nature, move your body, nap, read, make art, play music, dance.
Sabbath doesn’t mean ignoring the alarms or stepping away from the world’s problems. It’s a way of pausing so that when we do respond, we can do so with more clarity, steadiness, and love.
And if a full day feels impossible, perhaps try half a day, or even just one hour. I’ve noticed that when I lean into even a small taste of Sabbath, when I allow myself to focus on the good right in front of me, it acts like an antidote to all the noise. The alarms don’t stop sounding—but I can hear them differently. I can breathe, stay grounded, and choose to respond with steadiness and hope.
Coming Up…
Wednesdays, 11 AM - 1:30 PM, Open Studio Painting
Wednesdays, Mission Compost Pick Up
Thursdays-Sundays, Scott’s Pizza
4th Saturday, 9 AM - 1 PM, El Mercado @ Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, Charis Park
Every Sunday, Worship at 9 AM and 11 AM
Event Rentals - Interested in hosting your event at Charis Park or in our facilities? We are currently booking for 2025–please email rentals@sunset-ridge.org
Community Partners: For updated schedules and events please follow One Another Coffee, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, NYX Wellness, Scott’s Pizza, Mission Compost, Sprouts School, Good Acres, and Community First Food Pantry.
Inhale: Amidst the chaos
Exhale: I hold peace
