The space between
compassionate pauses, the littoral zone, and World Blue Mind Day
A gentle moment of pause after a refreshing evening swim at the summer solstice, where the lingering light and warm sea air invite a quiet sense of peace and grateful reflection.
In rehearsal and performance alike, you can sense that a musical phrase is about to soar, and you silently beg the conductor to linger just long enough on the pause to really allow the harmonies to ring in that space, and anticipate that it will touch the listener’s hearts, minds and souls.
We live in an age of almost constant noise and motion, yet few stop to ask, ‘can we measure the value of a pause?’
pauses in poetry and music
Poets and musicians have marked time - and space - in their compositions for many centuries. From the caesura’s in ancient texts, to more conventional marks such as the dashes and dots that demark space in the written word, an array of rests of various length, give shape and expression to musical notation. And yet the value is not in the length of the pause, but in its relational quality, context, and the interpretation of reader and musician.
marking space for growth
When learning a new piece of music, I’ll often begin with marking the score, shaping phrases, highlighting breaths - both for expression of words and intake of breath - giving shape and direction, and leaving space for the music to grow. The pencil would be there for as long as needed, impermanent markings that become embodied and changed over time. There is room for creativity and choice.
But how often do we choose to pause, and how are we relating to the spaciousness and quality of length and time?
In the summer months, there is certainly a change of pace, often change of routine, and for some a holiday pause is on the horizon. Longer and warmer days lend themselves to spending more time outdoors, and spaciousness to slow down and pause, if we choose to. Whether the it is as short as a syncopated semi-quaver rest - enough for a quick breath to find enough energy to move forward - or as long as a fermata, to pause is an act of self compassion.
powerful fermatas - pauses that restore
One of the blue spaces that truly makes my heart soar with joy and peace. Perfect for restorative mindful moments.
Bach first used a fermata, 𝄐 , at the end of a piece, but over time it came to be used in other places, too, and was considered to be twice as long as a rest. This feels restorative, a pause without rushing forward. With imagination, I also think the fermata looks like a hug, an enveloping by someone or something…
Space between is so important.
It’s often said that the music happens in the space between the notes (attributed to several composers and musicians), that the magic happens in the silence. In poetry, in music, in between coaching sessions. On vacation, when making changes, during transitions, and when developing new and better habits for wellbeing and productivity.
In the resting and restoring.
In this regenerative space that allows something to resonate, to emerge, to settle, and to grow.
I’m sure you can feel how this might be well represented in allowing music to blossom and fill a beautifully acoustic such as the Royal Albert Hall or a cathedral. We want to experience that resonance - emotionally and somatically (in our bodies) - before the music begins again.
everyday silence
How often, though, are we tempted to fill silence? Sometimes we have an uneasy relationship with it. We speak of ‘awkward silence’ and pour words into it, and tell ourselves that clear days or blank pages in diaries need to be filled, almost as though we expect space and silence will break the flow, that we are afraid of letting something drift, dropping plates, releasing control. As busy professionals, does this resonate with you?
But we could think - and feel - differently about silence.
How would it be to embrace the silences in our day, or week, or seasons, as spaces where we can allow something to evolve, something to flow in and out that was life-giving, joyful and regenerative? That a pause isn’t something to feel guilt over, something selfish. It’s a necessary foundation for wellbeing to nurture, so that we can feel rested - even restored!
A slowing that allows us to be more creative and clear in our thinking, compassionate in our being, and courageous in our doing.
cultivating regenerative pauses
Pausing to journal - thoughtful reflections and heartfelt intentions gently unfold.
Regular , intentional semi-quaver rests in my week might include stopping for a good cup of coffee, tending the flowers in my garden, journalling, baking bread, walking, swimming, and practising my downward facing dog. There is definitely activity in that resting pose!
Take a breath and reflect… where are the playful mini-pauses in your schedule?
Play - anything done without particular purpose of outcome that brings pleasure - is so important. However you choose to pause, play increases our sense of wellbeing and happiness, resilience, stress management and joy. In that moment we are very present - the line between the everyday activity and magic dissolves, and we become open to possibility and transformation.
Are there ways you can be more present in your week? Write a list of some ways you love to play, and the people you love to spend time with. And then be intentional about taking a pause…
the rewards of courageous and intentional pausing
It takes courage to be silent and still in our busy world. To pause can make us vulnerable. A fermata or long pause allows the articulation of our deepest thoughts and feelings to surface - and for the very same reason it can be empowering.
In the silence, we can hear our inner voice and wisdom more clearly. Engaging with the heart, creative ideas blossom and make us even more coherent in decisions and relationships. Spending time with nature and - with World Blue Mind Day on 23rd July - near the ocean, we can work with the energy of the space around us to help inform what’s next. And spending time in the littoral zone, the ever-changing, dynamic space between sea and shore, holds so many treasures. A restorative pause, rejuvenating, enlivening, grounding. Allowing - and gifting - greater flow. A space between that allows a new perspective, a greater depth of connection with self, others and the world, and wisdom in navigate all the busy-ness and non-certainty on returning.
‘We withdraw not to disappear, but to find another ground from which to see; a solid ground from which to step, and from which to speak again, in a different way, a clear, rested, embodied voice, our life as a sudden, emphatic statement, one we can recognise as our own.’
David Whyte, from Consolations
In the pause we return to our self. In this lies the value of the pause.
Happy pausing!
Watery blues and greens evoke a sense of calm energy, bringing clarity to the mind and providing space to pause, rest and reflect. Let water restore you and reset your nervous system in this summer season. Happy World Blue Mind Day!
If your mind is longing to fill the silence when you create a longer pause, reflectively reading this poem by John O’Donohue might help bring you into stillness and the present moment.
For Presence
Awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.
Have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
Receive encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
Respond to the call of your gift and the courage to follow its path.
Let the flame of anger free you of all falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame.
May anxiety never linger about you.
May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.
Take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
Be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.
May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.
If, in the quiet space between your thoughts, you discover a deep insight or a new question stirring, I’d love to explore it with you. Let’s turn those moments of pause into a path for growth, clarity, and purpose.
Reach out anytime or book a complimentary 20‑minute discovery call here and together we’ll listen to the wisdom that wants to emerge.
Useful links
Candles from Quietivity - I love to use the stunning beeswax candles to help create a moment of calm for reflection and journaling. Each candle burns for 30 minutes, and smell wonderful, too. Several other journalling resources are also offered.
When pausing in Blue Space, and you’d like to track the impact on your wellbeing, download the Blue Health App from the App Store. Currently only for Apple devices.
