When we look back on how we may have handled ourselves in situations and in managing our relationships, we may well find that often we have reacted only to wish we had done it differently. The issue is not that we didn’t know better, if we reflect back we may well find that most often we reacted without taking a pause.

Emotions cloud our judgement, and decisions taken out of anger, fear, anxiety and attachment come back to hurt us. When our emotions have settled we have always been able to see things with the much needed objectivity to respond correctly. A pause allows us the time and space to see things clearly and correctly.

There is often more to things than what meets the eye. When we react too quickly, we may achieve a good outcome due to our past experience, but often we miss out on the best option because we missed seeing things that may not be obvious. A pause allows us to see the unseen in the seen.

Our past experiences and learnings are invaluable in helping us respond effectively, and yet we may well find that at critical times, when much needed, our memory has failed us. A pause allows us to tap into our past experiences and learnings to avoid similar mistakes repeatedly.

Our resolve and convictions often get sacrificed at the altar of temptations. The mind loves indulgence and intertia, and is quick to gravitate towards them. A pause allows us to steady ourselves and re-anchor in the decisions we have made.

Sometimes we find ourselves out of our depth and after best efforts unable to find a way ahead. The situation seems difficult and impossible to manage, and we may feel lost, helpless or stuck. But there is always a way out. A pause allows us the space and silence for us to hear the much needed guidance of our inner voice.

A chess grandmaster is never short of knowledge, talent or experience, and yet, takes time between moves to play his best. We too are called upon to play our best every day, but need the pause before we react. Everyone knows the notes, it is the space in-between that creates the music.

(Picture – Lonavala garden in the monsoon)