Dear Friend
A newly hatched little turtle pausing to admire its first sunset before heading into the ocean.
- Instagram @trex.photography
The Power Of Pausing
Take a walk with a Turtle. A behold the world in pause. - Bruce Feiler
August in the City is a relief, even for those of us who aren't on holiday. Things slow down, schools are out and there's less people about. My personal aim this month is to turtle rather than hurtle about town and enjoy the power of pausing- here's why...
Pausing to Be Playfully Present
I like the pause that tea allows - Waris Ahluwahlia
I suspect that many of the world's best ideas have been brewed over tea. A pot of tea or coffee allows a pause to savour the flavour of a moment - whether that's with a friend, a notebook, a laptop or a window on the world passing by. Pausing allows us to infuse in our own presence and to come present to what is arising in our inner and outer worlds. Taking time out restores our sense of playfulness, adventure and curiosity about life.
Pausing to Ponder
Human freedom involves our capacity to pause, to choose the one response toward which we wish to throw our weight - Rollo May
Pausing allows us to reflect, reset and redirect our pathway in life. Pausing allows new thoughts, perspectives and insights to arise. It clears the decks and allows us to shuffle and deal again. Past, present and future meet in a pause, as we take space to reflect on what has gone before, feel what we need now and set our intentions for that wish we wish to create. It allows the wise whispers of intuition to be heard and inklings of inspiration to arise on the next breath.
Pausing for Peace
In the heart of every human being is that one space which is free, which is filled with peace and which is filled with love - Prem Rawat
One of the world's leading speakers on peace, Prem Rawat, is sublimely gifted in the art of pausing. His speeches give space for the listener to connect within to their own source of peace and understanding. He points us towards the peace which is our natural birthright, an indwelling feeling of being loved, lovable and loving. Pausing gives us a moment to reclaim our essence, our innate stillness within the hustle bustle and find the turtle magic in each moment.
Pausing to Plan
During my Summer Pause I will be planning towards a beautiful Autumn Term of Song. I invite you to join me at forthcoming adventures include:
Sing for Water - choirs across the UK join together in song for WaterAid at the Thames Festival on September 11th.
Shakespeare's 400th Anniversary - I will be celebrating the Bard in song with the quartet Anima at the Ismali Centre on 16th September.
Creative Croydon New Term of Singing - choirs resume in September.
Heart of the City - delighted to have been invited to guest lead this wonderful choir at St Botolph's Bishopgate from September 22nd
Dream Choir - a play day of song and improvisation in the magical ambience of St Mary Abchurch on 24th September
Wishing you much playful, potent pausing this summer :)
In the heart of every human being is that one space which is free, which is filled with peace and which is filled with love - Prem Rawat
One of the world's leading speakers on peace, Prem Rawat, is sublimely gifted in the art of pausing. His speeches give space for the listener to connect within to their own source of peace and understanding. He points us towards the peace which is our natural birthright, an indwelling feeling of being loved, lovable and loving. Pausing gives us a moment to reclaim our essence, our innate stillness within the hustle bustle and find the turtle magic in each moment.
Pausing to Plan
During my Summer Pause I will be planning towards a beautiful Autumn Term of Song. I invite you to join me at forthcoming adventures include:
Sing for Water - choirs across the UK join together in song for WaterAid at the Thames Festival on September 11th.
Shakespeare's 400th Anniversary - I will be celebrating the Bard in song with the quartet Anima at the Ismali Centre on 16th September.
Creative Croydon New Term of Singing - choirs resume in September.
Heart of the City - delighted to have been invited to guest lead this wonderful choir at St Botolph's Bishopgate from September 22nd
Dream Choir - a play day of song and improvisation in the magical ambience of St Mary Abchurch on 24th September
Wishing you much playful, potent pausing this summer :)
