“Between stimulus and response there is space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

Viktor Frankyl (although questioned)

I have attempted to write two other posts: “Into the Mystic” and “The Celtic Nation.” In both of them, I started to share what I learned about the Celtic influence on the Galicia region and the mysticism that the Celts brought to the area. Perhaps my interest in all things mystical can be credited to my Celtic roots. That was my intention- “to convey how the ancient relics, pagan myths and a vibrant, living history unlike anywhere else in the world” (Kieran Herbert) affected me. The problem did not lie so much in the content of the topic but in how I was sharing it. It read more like an Encyclopedia Britannica entry than the whisperings of my heart.

I realized that I needed to employ the power of the Sacred Pause, the space between a stimulus and response in order to inform my writing. One of the coaches used the term in sharing a story about a slightly unbalanced clienet who, after learning about the power to pause and choose a response, went and tatooed the the words across her chest. I laughed and paused long enough to allow the words to sink in and consider them as I walked. I decided there are equivalents to the the Sacred Pause: counting “one, two, three,” taking a breath, or stating “let me give it some thought.” I like the sound of Sacred Pause the best. It gives the process a magical, mystical quality.

“Sacred” (as defined by Merriam Webster) means “entitled to reverance and respect.” A pause definitely deserves reverance and respect as the decisions made during the pause affect outcome. Do I want an apple or a chip (and then another and another…)? Pause. I know what I prefer, but I also know the short and long-term consequences. This decison affects me. Choose wisely. Do I want to go ballistic on my kid or do I want try and understand the situation first? Pause. Logically I know the answer. This response directly affects someone else. Responses are not always easy. Choose very wisely.

Carlos said he had a “sorpresa” (surprise) for us and dropped us off at the end of a path. We had no idea what we find at the other end. We came upon an open field filled with circular stone structures. We later found out that they are called “pallozas” (round stone huts) and are believed to be of Celtic origin. We walked around the structures, enjoying the quiet and the scenery. We settled into a cirlce within one of the circles. We had a small ceremony where we were asked to share something we would take home with us. I paused and realized that the moment was exactly what I would like to bring home- the Sacred Pause: revering and respecting the space that allows for the power of response. I’d like to think I grew and became a little freer in that moment.