We're quick to move from one thing to the next.  Next thought, next meal, next activity, next pound, next week, next year....next, next, next.  We hardly pause between "nexts".

I was thinking about this as I sat with a client this morning who had been struggling with panic attacks and was in distress.  Part of me wanted to jump into "solution" mode right away because I knew I could illuminate a pathway out for him.  A greater part of me was inclined to sit with him in his suffering and distress before moving on.  I'm glad I listened to that part of me that said, "Slow down.  Pause."  A world of felt-ness opened up.  We gave a nod to the pain and suffering and inconvenience.  We acknowledged that "This is hard and I'm really struggling here".  The tears came freely as they do when humans pause long enough to feel.  The thought of treating oneself compassionately through the struggle brought more tears and some relief.

And then we moved through to the nuts and bolts, the why's and how's and plan of action.

There is magic in the pause before "next."

Until next time,