How I used “The Pause” to gain Insight and Serenity

During the course of life in the “old normal,” I was often engaged in the busy-ness of daily routines and tasks not specifically associated with dedicated work activity.

There was also time spent in the planning and logistics of travel, and the subsequent time spent in the actual travel to and from locations around the globe.

The time spent packing and repacking suitcases alone was a heavy addition to the busy-ness.

Locally, unhindered by restrictions, I would drive frequently, heading to the gym, running endless errands, and shopping for needed items wherever they may be located. All of this seemingly endless busy-ness filled my time with what I believed to be essential activities of life. I didn’t give much thought to how much time these activities required.

On the flip side, there were the social and entertainment activities which, for me, punctuated the beauty of being alive. Socializing freely, going to concerts, arranging dinners or lunches with friends, or sharing laughter over happy hour enhanced daily life. The simple experience of a mutual embrace in greeting one another was an affirmation of life itself. It was time well-spent and nourishing for my soul.

Then, life-as-we-knew-it….paused. Restrictions were put in place and “normalcy” quickly became a memory.

The first month in “The Pause” was spent diligently creating to-do lists and goals to accomplish unfettered by the busy-ness of daily life in the “old normal.”

Perhaps this was to give structure to the situation at hand, thus creating some type of “normalcy” which seemed so elusive at the time. I was determined to create something in the time of the unknown. It was based in logical, rational thinking which serves to keep us feeling “safe”

Then, something happened.
I experienced an “Aha” moment which changed everything.

What I realized, was that I was creating an umbrella of structure designed to shield me from the torrential downpour of a world-changing event. That umbrella was perceived protection based on daily routine and accomplishment of tasks within a restricted environment. I held on to the belief that the “known” creates safety, and that’s exactly what I was doing. But this eventually felt limiting, and based in fear.

It was time for another path.
And I closed the umbrella.

I then allowed myself to allow a personal pause….one without a dedicated structure and daily tasks to accomplish. Within that pause, I felt no pressure, no need to protect, no need to structure. At first, it felt foreign and directionless. Without structured activities, the unknown rushed in.

And where would it take me?
I was willing to see.

Then, a sense of serenity filled the space. For the first time in a long time, I gained insight into the peace that exists in the acceptance of allowing myself to allow.
This included embracing the unknown. I felt freer, lighter, more energized, less troubled.

Instead of huddling under an umbrella of structure, I was floating in the sea of possibility which was still driven by a tide of uncertainty. I felt courageous.

I didn’t need answers. I found solace in the presence of the present, and in the gratitude for the blessings of what has been provided in the uncertainty of a changing world.

Perhaps allowing yourself a personal pause from trying to figure it all out where answers are scarce could provide you a personal place of serenity, even if that place is temporary. Maybe peace can exist in the unknown.

Why not give it a try and see where it leads you…