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. 

Day 8, Small Pause, "A Note of Thanks"

Today's "Small Pause" ...

As I culled through a basket of papers today, I came upon a pretty thank you note. It had been given to me some time ago by a parent whose son I had taught. I remember how it touched me when I first received it and tucked it away, as it was too precious to discard. 

My student's mother wrote touchingly how I had eased her son's discomfort about a situation he was experiencing with a fellow classmate. She went on to thank me for dealing with the situation in a positive and caring manner. In the end she said both her son and fellow classmate became friends due to the positive intervention they received. 

It brought a smile to my face as I recalled the whole situation. I was doing what any caring teacher would do and went on to solve many more situations for others. It made me reflect on just how important our actions are and how they affect others. Sometimes our reactions to others and how we validate their concerns profoundly affect them without our knowledge. 

It was so nice to read this note again today, as I head towards my retirement this year. Maybe in a small way I was able to make a difference to those who crossed my teaching path. No matter what occupation you are in, small gestures of kindness often create ripples you were unaware of at the time. Certainly a truth we should be conscious of in our everyday interactions with others. 

Warmly,

Debbie

Please feel free to share your thoughts or "Small Pause" today in the comments below.