A new blog from our guest blogger Karen Dabrowska, about pausing.

Fiona:  Karen's introduction is very interesting, since I take the opposite approach, trying to eliminate pauses, while still completing each movement, to aim at a smooth continuous form. Her approach has led to a most interesting train of thought, which I hope you will enjoy reading as much as I did, for its fascinating insights.



Let us pause



In the tai chi 108 form every movement starts with a pause. Each form must be given its due and executed with precision and concentration. There is a slight pause and then it’s on to the next form.



The pause between the tai chi forms can be carried though to our daily lives. Do remember the last time you really enjoyed a delicious cup of coffee? Or your favourite cake? Or a walk in the park with the summer sun on your face?



We have all heard about meditation and various techniques to connect with our higher self and these have a special time and place and usually a definite aim, be it relaxation, inspiration or guidance from the higher self.



But we can all find a minute, or a few minutes, during the day to simply pause and enjoy the moment, be in the present, fully aware of our thoughts and feelings. We can pause between activities or during activity to connect with the silence within and feel the presence of a greater creative power, which – whether we are aware of it or not – is ensuring we are where we are supposed to be.



When we pause, if only for a moment, we come to stillness, a time for reflection, to truly appreciate what is around us.

Words of wisdom from the Plato Forum advise us not to dismiss the world as being merely physical, something to manipulate for own pleasure and ease.  This is no way to love life.  Learn instead to wonder at this world by recognising its supreme intelligence and beauty.  The world is constantly lit.  It is we who live in darkness.  First open your eyes and then your heart and mind and come to appreciate the luminosity of life’s underlying perfection.

We can follow this advise for a few minutes each day. What is easier than just stopping for half a minute to look at the trees by the road, the flowers in the flower basket, a tastefully arranged display in the shop window? Welcome the passer-by with a smile. Spread positivity, vibrations of love from the heart.

Remember that last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning. Make a beginning with a reflective pause, each day, every day, draw inspiration from the silence within.