10th August 2025
I can think of several times in my life I wish I had practiced the pause in my life, and I cannot think of a single time I am glad where I didn’t.
Nothing good ever comes from a snap response, a snap judgment, or a snap reaction.
Reacting harshly to anything only leads to us doing and saying things we will later regret.
Here, I am reminded of a fable.
A young artist once visited a legendary master known for painting lifelike landscapes that seemed to breathe.
“Master,” he said, “I’ve studied all the techniques. I’ve copied your strokes. I’ve practised every day. But my art still feels… dead. What’s missing?”
The old master handed him a paintbrush.
“This brush,” he whispered, “is magical. It only comes alive when the artist listens more than he paints.”
Confused, the young artist dipped the brush in colour and began his work — carefully, deliberately, mechanically.
The painting looked neat… but lifeless.
The master shook his head gently.
“Now try again, but this time, pause before every stroke. Listen to the silence. Listen to the story the canvas wants to tell. Let the painting guide your hand, not your mind.”
The boy hesitated… then followed.
Slowly, the strokes became softer… bolder… freer.
The canvas transformed.
The painting now felt something.
Tears welled up in the young artist’s eyes.
“It wasn’t the brush, was it?” he whispered.
The master smiled. “No. It was you — once you paused, stopped painting and started listening, the magic happened.”
In communication, as in art, it’s not always about what you say, but how deeply you listen.
When you tune in fully, your words become more than speech… they become connection.
Because transformation often begins… in the pause,
Practise the pause and take advantage of the power of the pause and the happiness it can bring when implemented & stay blessed forever.