Learning to pause is the first step in the practice of…
“Learning to pause is the first step in the practice of Radical Acceptance. A pause is a suspension of activity, a time of temporary disengagement when we are no longer moving toward any goal ... The pause can occur in the midst of almost any activity and can last for an instant, for hours or for seasons of our life ... You might try it now: Stop reading and sit there, doing 'no thing,' and simply notice what you are experiencing.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Pausing interrupts habitual striving, creating space for genuine awareness and self‑compassion.
In simple terms: Pause breaks autopilot, opens awareness.
Practice regular pauses to cultivate acceptance.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- stressful work
- emotional overwhelm
- daily routines
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When can you insert a pause today?
- What sensations arise during stillness?
Pausing can be uncomfortable or feel unproductive.