“Through the sacred art of pausing, we develop the capacity to stop hiding, to stop running away from our experience. We begin to trust in our natural intelligence, in our naturally wise heart, in our capacity to open to whatever arises.” – Tara Brach

The chasm between who I am and who I’m meant to be – my true self – grows a little less wide every time I stop and pause. Sometimes, it looks like celebrating a small win. Or sitting in deep gratitude while holding a warm beverage on a cold morning. Or taking a break from riding to photograph a fun adventure (see photo above).

At other times, the pause comes after being a brat. Taking a second to ask myself, “Is this how I want to show up?” allows me to apologize and make it right. Becoming still when I feel emotionally flooded gives me a chance to contemplate the meaning I’m giving the situation. (Usually I see how I am creating a problem when none really exists.)

A pause is the seed for self-awareness, discovery, and maybe even my own redemption.

It’s only a moment – a mere flicker in the grander story of time – but can have a lasting impact. And maybe that’s what, “Be still and know that I am God,” is all about. (Psalm 46:10)

[Photo: Taking a pause during a powder tree run in Jackson Hole, January 2019]