Need to Press? Want to Press? Press.
Peaceful Power of the Pause
Are the world’s incessant demands on your time and attention driving you to seek refuge in self-isolation?
Amidst perpetual engagement with others and relentless work, do you find yourself yearning for moments of solitude?
This longing to retreat is not about evading human connection but rather placing ourselves where we can exist in our purest form. Solitude is not an escape from our troubles but a necessary pause that allows us to recharge and reconnect with our inner selves. It offers a rare opportunity to withdraw from the cacophony of life and reclaim a sense of tranquility in an ever-demanding world.
Søren Kierkegaard encapsulates this sentiment:
"I have just come out of the most intense spiritual struggle in which I have ever been engaged. It was a question of my becoming a master of myself and of my understanding my situation. Solitude makes the soul stronger."
There is a profound joy in existing without the need for external validation. Solitude teaches us that it is permissible, even necessary, to pause and enjoy our own company. This self-acceptance is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being, enabling us to harmonise our personal needs with our obligations to others.
Our minds often wander amidst internal noise, seeking peace that can only emerge when distractions are silenced. These distractions stem from our unthinking consumption of everything around us, leading our minds to incessantly dissect, analyse, and categorise. This mental clutter breeds conflict and confusion.
True inner peace is not the byproduct of fulfilling our dreams but rather the acceptance of the present moment and each moment that follows. When the constructs of self, goals, and journeys dissolve, what remains is pure peace. As Mahatma Gandhi profoundly stated,
“There is no way to peace, there is only peace.”
So, why not plan a retreat for yourself? Carve out some time in your busy schedule to disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in the present moment. This intentional pause will allow you to rejuvenate and rediscover your inner tranquillity. In doing so, you will return to your daily life with a renewed sense of peace and clarity.
Make the decision today: If you need to press it, if you want to press it, press it.
Ps: "Sometimes you have to be still in order to move forward." — Ericka Williams
