Why pause?
Mark K May 15th, 2007
Pause for Purpose is a response to a society in which we often rush headlong towards goals without taking the time to determine whether attaining them will truly lead to happiness and fulfillment. It’s about slowing down long enough to notice what’s going on around us, being open to new possibilities, and setting an intention for where to go next. Using my background as a teacher and life coach to guide me, I have been exploring processes and environments which can help a person to be more aware in order to lead a more intentional life. I have walked the labyrinth as a meditation, hiked the ancient pilgrim’s route, the Camino de Santiago in Spain, joined a weekly writing group, created a monthly men’s discussion group, and explored local nature by means of hiking and backpacking. These experiences have helped me to be more conscious about how I spend my time, about my role in my family and with my work, how I express myself, and the connections that I make with others. Above all, it has made me aware of the importance of pausing and living life with purpose. As I continue to pause and explore, I’ll share my discoveries in my monthly newsletter and blog.
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I came to this website and immediately found this beautiful photo of a fountain. It captures the essence of what we need to do more–take time to enjoy the simple pleasures around us. When we rush about, we forget the importance of taking time to replenish our mind, soul, and body. We can only give and do so much before we run out of steam. I love these messages that remind me that we need to give ourselves the gift of slowing down. Going slower, doing less, traveling with less “stuff,” treading lightly, simplifying whereever we can–all ADDS to the quality of our lives.
Your message is so important, Mark. Most of us are spinning too fast and need the balance of slowing down and coming back to our senses. My wife just returned from walking a portion of the Camino de Santiago in Spain and she observed how people there took time to sit and converse in the central plazas everyday. From 1-5 everything shut down to allow for a long lunch and rest, then to open again from 5-8. Later, they’d go the cafes for a light dinner of tapas and wine. It was an entirely sane way of living that allowed for community and connection with each other.
We need to return to a pace more compatible with our breath, our legs, our hands, our speech, settling into and savoring these moments to enjoy our lives.
Thanks for the reminders.