I’m writing this on Monday, October 9, 2023, in shock about what has been unfolding in the Middle East over the weekend. This seems the moment to frantically DO something. We opted for a different path: we used the title of the blog post as a repeating writing prompt:
The Power of Pause, in this Moment
Hitting “pause” instead of “refresh” on the dozens of news sites open on my computer.
The Power of Pause, in this Moment
Reaching out to friends – friends who live and work in the region, friends whose family members live there. Friends who have worked to create spaces for dialogue with all sides.
The Power of Pause, in this Moment
This is not the moment to plan a World Cafe, bringing together Israelis and Palestinians. It IS the moment to hold this idea, to keep this hope alive. One day, we will host a World Cafe in the region, with a local and diverse hosting team.
The Power of Pause, in this Moment
This short silence, outside and inside, allows memories to surface. The story of the young Israeli and the young Palestinian who met each other in an online World Cafe, years ago. This is a story of hope. A story of humans listening. Both had never before talked to someone from “the other side”. They shared how surprised and glad they were to see that the “other” was a human, just as themselves.
The Power of Pause, in this Moment
We’d love to read what you come up with, using this writing prompt. Please share your responses as comments below.
In the busy-ness of my world, today, there is nothing more important for my own health and sanity than to pause. Take a break. Step back from the work, and rest. I personally find this very difficult to do. There is ALWAYS something that needs to be done, and if I don’t prioritize myself on the same level I prioritize the work, a break just doesn’t happen. At the same time, I do want to speak for the beauty of sleep and the powerful rest it gives, naturally.
It is not easy for me to focus on a pause in a moment. We are so busy of doing everything and are not keen to have a pause or we do not notice it even if we accidentally have it. I try enjoy a pause in life when I have it. When I arrive at the place to meet someone earlier and then I have a little time. Even I am in the train to go somewhere, I put off headphone and close book and be there where I belong. To see what I see and hear what I hear and be there. To me, it is also a pause to breathe life into me. Having a sense of now-and-here is always given by a pause in a moment and how do I do then.
The Power of Pause to experience what I am feeling, even if I cannot make sense of what I am feeling. The Power of Pause to allow what is, to be, even if it’s uncomfortable. The Power of Pause to feel despair, trusting that I will feel hope again.