Day 34, Small Pause, "A Sense of Contentment"

 A Burst of Light, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Today's Small Pause...

Since November began, we have experienced an abundance of wet weather and gray moody days. Finally today, we were blessed with more sun than clouds. I could feel my heart sing as I witnessed the sun's cheery presence and warmth.

It was time to take a short pause in my day to sip tea and read in front of my kitchen window. I found my mind wandering freely, as I gazed up from reading and watched the clouds drift along. The sun peeked through for long moments, illuminating the space I occupied. My cat came to visit and sat on my lap. She enjoyed the pause as well, as I massaged her head and neck. Her purring made us both feel content and at peace.

It was a lovely small pause that set the tone for the busyness that would follow later in my day. I felt grateful for the sun and my quiet retreat, which brought me into a present moment. 

I hope you get to slow down for a few moments this weekend and just be present with yourself. Acknowledge what truly brings you contentment and what places you in present time. May all your obligations fade away, as you move in sync with your own small pause.

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. Please feel free to add your own small pause or comments below.

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Day 16, Small Pause, "Snow Bubbles"

Within the Breeze, 7x5in. Oil on canvas. Sold

Today's "Small Pause"...

This morning I decided to relish in some quiet time to practice yoga and read. With a nice hot cup of tea, I sat by my kitchen window and continued to read "The Wisdom of No Escape...". After reading a particular passage that really resonated with me I gazed out my window to reflect on what I had just read. 

Tiny snowflakes floated about in the gray sky. They reminded me of tiny bubbles as they bobbled about in the breeze; catching flight and moving in whatever direction the wind took them. They were decidedly happy as they dipped and dived without care; tossing their worries aside and drifting along. 

Their carefree nature reminded me of childhood when we ignored the world and danced about in nature. We blew bubbles, spun in circles and laughed in the delight of small occurrences. I think if we all took time to run about in nature without a care, the world would be a more joyful place!

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. The excerpt in Pema Chodron's book that gave me pause was: "There's a possibility of what Rinpoche used to call "gap" at the end of the out-breath: you're mindful of your breath as it goes out, and then there's a pause as the breath comes in. It's as if you ... pause."

I would love to hear your thoughts or small pause today! Please feel free to share in the comment section below.