This morning a quiet sensation flowed through the chilled wind. Winter announced its arrival with freezing temperatures and icy crystals that decorated my car windows. I felt the push-pull of Nature reminding me to to breathe in winter's frosty breath and feel replenished. As I swept crystals off the car windows, stillness surrounded the grayish morning. Awed by the magic of the winter scene, I listened to the sounds of quietude, finding peace within.
move slowly on
winter's frosty path-step back
just be and pause
witness small moments
reflect, renew, replenish
breathe in stillness
pause intentionally
breathe in earth's quiet stillness
with verve
©CVarsalona, 2024
Happily, I went to yoga where I heard a mantra that sparked a plan. "A New Year, a New You!" This solidified my intent to find one little word that would enhance last year's guiding word, Be.
Have you thought about pausing to witness quiet moments? It is the mindful, intentional pause that allows us to focus on, and be engaged in the moment not the hustle and bustle of life's to-dos. I have spent years as an educator and educational leader studying the art of mindfulness. Today, while scurrying to yoga class, I solidified my intent to find one little word that would enhance last year's guiding word, Be. I decided to cultivate mindfulness with an intentional pause each day.
inhale
one word
stillness announces
my hope-filled wish
pause
©CVarsalona, 2024
While researching how to practice the pause, I found a quote from Eckhart Tolle: "In today’s rush we all think too much, seek too much, want too much, and forget about the joy of just Being." My one word, "Be", guided me last year. Adding an intentional pause this year will strengthen my spiritual walk. I hope you will join me as I pause, reflect, and renew my spirit throughout 2024. May the magic of winter also encourage you to pause and witness quiet moments?
🌲🌲🌲
I look forward to joining the Spiritual Journey community hosted by teacher/author/poet Margaret Simon at Reflections on the Teche.
Here, I will find poetic goodness and spiritual enrichment flowing.
Carol, what an intentional word you have chosen. I love the idea of a pause...of creating space to "be." As always, I imagine it will lead to many beautiful moments. xo, ruth
ReplyDeleteCarol, I see so many similarities between your word and the one I chose. Life can get hectic at times. We need to hit that pause button, stop, and just be in the moment. We run the risk of depleting our energy if we don’t stop to recharge. Hitting the pause button on our lives gives us the time we need to replenish ourselves so that we can face whatever comes our way. Bob
ReplyDeleteI actually thought about the word Pause for many of the reasons you did, to be more intentional about quiet and meditation. I'm sure it will serve you well this year.
ReplyDeleteCarol, such a reflective post. I think last year's Be flows very well into this year's Pause. Peace to you in 2024, with many pauses to strengthen and renew your spirit.
ReplyDeletePausing is always good! What a great word you've chosen! Happy New Year! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI am happy with my new word, Ruth. It gives me a chance to awaken my mind and slow down to reflect. Happy New Year!
DeleteThis is such a peaceful post. Your two poems are perfect for showcasing your one little word, especially that second one. May you have many moments to pause and just be this year.
ReplyDeleteCarol: It is pause perfect! I hope each pause brings insight and peace.
ReplyDeleteCarol, what a wonderful word! Everything I read about pause and breathe show how these words put us in the moment, the here and now. Your plan to be intentional about pause is renewing. Great word!
ReplyDeleteRamona, I am pausing tonight to sit by the fireplace and just "be" in the moment of writing. I hope to see you on TWT for a good old-fashioned slice of life.
DeleteWhat a perfect follow up, Carol -- pause. It's a reminder that there is no need to rush through or past a moment. In fact, it's an invitation to find the beauty in the stillness - as your beautiful poem says. Blessings for a year of pauses!
ReplyDeletePatricia, I like your last sentence. A year of pauses is what I need to bring a measure of peace into life. Thank you.
DeleteCarol I love that we have both chosen this word for 2024. I like the thought that we will be pausing together on opposite sides of the world.
ReplyDeleteSally, it surely will be a fun journey from end of the globe to the other.
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