Pause

There is a short Zen story about the wisdom of stopping for a moment, ceasing your work, and looking around you –

A number of students were sitting quietly with their teacher one day when a hunter passed by. The hunter was surprised to see the renowned teacher sitting there at ease and doing nothing at all, remarking that the man's inaction appeared to be a waste of precious time.

"Take your bow, cock it, and fire an arrow," the teacher responded quietly. And the hunter obliged.

"Cock your bow, and fire another arrow," the teacher then said.

And the hunter again obliged – again and again and again.

Finally the hunter spoke up, "Teacher, if I continue to keep my bow at this rate, it will break."

"The same goes for all of us," said the teacher. "If we push ourselves excessively, we will break too. The right thing to do sometimes is to take a break and sees all activity."

St. Agustine once said, “people travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering.

Pausing is a tool for creating clarity, calmness, a fresh look, and internal peace. There are an infinite number of things you would find out if you only try. Let’s shut our eyes in order to see.

Some thoughts for reflection – When did life force you to stop? Why is it so hard to pause? Do you stop enough? What price are you paying by not stopping even for a moment? What is your favorite way of stopping and taking a break?