The Power of the Pause
Life has a way of hurtling forward at breakneck speed. Appointments pile up, commitments multiply, and the noise of daily life can drown out everything else. It's easy to feel constantly on the go, forgetting the joy and purpose that lies beneath the surface.
That's why I want to talk about the importance of pausing. I picked up the bible this morning and opened the page, and this is what I read... "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
I was sitting out on my deck, and as I read a gentle breeze tickled my nose. Sometimes, the most important work happens when we slow down.
As I've been re-reading the bible, as if I were in my childhood once again, it's been a while. And I started to see In the Psalms, the word "Selah." I got curious, how many times does this word come up.
After some research, I found Selah shows up at least 74 times. It's a Hebrew word that signifies a deliberate pause in reading, a moment for reflection and deeper understanding.
Pause can be a powerful tool for reflection, communication, and application.
Much like a musical rest allows the melody to fall into the sound-vibes, the pauses in life allow us to recharge.
Strength is renewed in those waiting times.
Those quiet moments are when we get clarity.
We can get clear on our priorities.
Pausing doesn't mean idleness or filling the time with distractions. It's about purposeful reflection:
Life won't stop, and the future remains unknown. But we can choose to pause, take stock, and evaluate what truly matters. What are we clinging to that needs to be released? What are we neglecting that deserves attention? What will bring us renewed focus and energy in the days ahead? These are vital questions that get lost in the daily frenzy.
Years ago, I read a book titled "Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln." One chapter, "The Power of the Pause," resonated deeply.
The most impactful communication doesn't rely on volume or endless talking, but on the strategic use of pause to allow the message to take root. This principle applies to all of life.
I too need to take moments to reflect and remind myself that I am not perfect and that I don’t always have the Pause in my life. My Pause time is crucial, as is the Pause time for those in my inner-circle communities. We support each other and share our experiences. Today, I heard my colleague talk about watching the baby eagles in their nest, another shared the sunrise over the mountains, and I enjoyed listening to the birds waking up early this morning.
Let's not shy away from hitting the pause button.
Silence is a valuable commodity, and stillness is essential for clarity and focus. The pace will pick up again soon, but for now, let's embrace the power of the pause (join my fb community).
Here is a beautiful 15-minute audio for today's meditation, led by Jihan Amer (Gigi), my friend I met in North Carolina. She leads amazing in-person healing retreats.
Access Jihan's 15-minute meditation here.