Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering. Pooh’s Little Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne
In the store, on Christmas Eve Day, I overheard this conversation.
“How’s it going?”
“I’m exhausted. Thank God Christmas is almost over!” (I was going to offer her a Pause Reminder, but it didn’t seem like my timing was right. . .maybe I should have just been kind, and bought her a chocolate bar?)
Fair enough. . .we do pack a lot into this month. . .
I invite you to consider Gentle Pause Reminders for 2011. . .
No, I cannot tell you what to do. . .even so, I offer the invitation. . .
Here’s the deal: When I pause, I put myself in a “new or different” environment.
When I pause, I trigger those parts of my soul. . .the space to savor, relish, value, honor, share, welcome, invite, see, touch, celebrate, wonder, feel, to experience grace. . .
When I pause, I create spaces–or sanctuaries–in which renewal can be born.
Pause reminders. . .
. . .are not a test, contest or beauty pageant. . .
. . .cannot be forced,
. . .are not results oriented,
. . .are not one size fits all,
. . .allow for creative adjustments,
. . .become a part of the way we see life, the way we move and carry our being,
. . .are intentional.
PAUSE REMINDER for Today: One day the economic news is bad. One day it is good. But when it comes to the definition of “wealth,” we can’t be at the mercy of the news (or our bank account); which tell we have to be in a hurry to get “somewhere.” So here’s the deal: To be rich is to afford. . .Slow food. . .Slow dinners with friends. . .Slow walks. . .Slow naps. . .Slow kisses. . .and slow dances. Today, I will try one thing on the list. And our quote for the day: “I would believe only in a God that knows how to dance.” Friedrich Nietzsche
There are two kinds of pause. One is passive: I stop, I let go, I’m still, and I breathe out. The other pause is active: I’m attentive, I’m conscious in this moment, I take responsibility for the life I have right now, and I breathe in. . .There is power in our awareness that our choices do in fact make a difference. Terry Hershey, The Power of Pause
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“There is power in our awareness that our choices do in fat make a difference. Terry Hershey, The Power of Pause”
As I contemplate my New Year’s resolutions (every year I resolve to eat better, and lose weight) I read the above admonition with delight in its perfect imperfection. Whoever would have thought that the typo would be so full of wisdom.
Ann. I’m still laughing. What a perfect typo. . .
I was tempted to “correct” it. . .but it’s better the way it is now. . .
ilaf0T I’m not easily impressed. . . but that’s imprsesing me! :)