I love taking a few moments here and there to simply ponder… so much so, that we built a ‘pondering pad’ behind our house. A small sitting space in nature for reading, coffee, thinking and conversations.
Let’s pretend for a moment that we’re sitting together, you and me, enjoying coffee or tea on our pondering pad. Today’s conversation is around the following quote. Read it, ponder over it, and think about what this quote means to you. Then share your take in the comments below.
“All intellectual improvement arises from leisure.” ~ Samuel Johnson
Upon reading this quote, I immediately think of Brene’ Brown’s book The Gifts of Imperfection, specifically the Guidepost #7, Cultivating Play and Rest chapter on the importance of play. This chapter inspired me so much that I did a #14DayPlayChallenge on Instagram last summer.
The Power of the Pause
This quote also conjures up one of my favorite sayings, “The Power of The Pause.” Much like the dash in life, the period between your birth year and year of death, the ‘pause’ is where so much greatness can happen.
A pause can be as simple as taking a short walk in nature or treating yourself to a, Epsom salt bath with essential oils. A pause can also be extended, such as a week-long getaway in a RELAXING location or even a month’s sabbatical from your business.
The Gift of The Pause
Yes – a pause for leisure, play or rejuvenation can open your mind to new learning, to more ‘intellectual improvement.’ But it can do so much more! A pause gifts you the time to slow down and take inventory, enjoy yourself, honor your needs, and redirect your life. A pause is a time of rejuvenation. A pause opens the door to being true to yourself and helps you stay connected or even reconnect with yourself. A pause can open new horizons.
In fact, it was during a pause after caregiving for my father that the details for how to bring all my past experiences together to be able to reach out and help others came to fruition. My pause was quite simple: a commitment to a sunrise walk at the beach every day for 30 days, along with few moments to ponder or meditate. A pause can be that powerful, and I encourage you to take the time for a pause frequently and on a regular basis.
A Moment to Ponder: What might you gain by taking 1 hour today to pause? What about a one week pause, focused on introspective work, self-care and play?
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