Pause awhile

Pauses are important in life but something we tend to ignore as we race through our busy days from one task to the next filling our lives, keeping busy, anything but BE with ourselves.  Mindfulness reconnects us to the pauses, the stillness and the silence.  That's where the real work is done.  As you read the following poem, take time to pause and use your senses.  The senses are more than their obvious attributes they are the connection to the present moment, bringing us back over and over again from our distractions to be in the Now.

​Pause awhile
Pause awhile
and simply notice
the wonder
of the breath, in and out
Feel it’s progress
moving through the body
life-affirming
without a doubt
 
Pause awhile
and simply notice
the music
all around, to hear
Made by birds
or even a whisper
as melodic
as rumbling traffic changing gear
 
Pause awhile
and simply notice
all the sights
in front of the eyes
Up close
or at a distance
even in the familiar
there can be a surprise
 
Pause awhile
and simply notice
any fragrances
that hang in the air
Maybe sweet
or perhaps pungent
inhale them all
no judgement to share

Pause awhile
and simply notice
any taste in the mouth
on the tongue
Lips savour
many a flavour
taste buds recognising
mild and strong
 
Pause awhile
and simply notice
the sense of touch
where the feet
meet the ground
Where fingers
brush against one another
sensations, old and new,
can be found
 
Pause awhile
and simply notice
the thinking mind
in overdrive
Not needed
on every occasion
in the chatter
it’s true ability
we deprive
 
Pause awhile
and simply notice
the connection
to peace and love
we allow
By experiencing all
in this moment
our presence
in this here and this now