Pause & Savor

I have always enjoyed classical music, symphonies and piano concertos. I was listening to a favorite the other day, and noticed that a pause allowed me a moment to savor and absorb what had come before. The short period of silence dramatically enhanced what followed. During my years as a technical writer and editor, I used white space to emphasize and enhance what I was describing. Leaving space around something allows it become the focal point of attention. I started thinking about how space enhances my T’ai Chi Chih practice.

I have always paused and grounded myself after each movement. But I never gave it much thought beyond that. I realize now that the space around the movements, provided by the pauses, enhances each one. Using this awareness, I now take time with each pause to allow my body and spirit to be soothed, to savor what I have just experienced, and to absorb the peace that comes with the movement. This helps me be more mindful in my practice, and it’s then more enjoyable and rewarding. Pause and savor: I say it often to remind me to be here, now.