The Kindness of Seizing the Pause

"It's not only moving forward that creates new starting points.  Sometimes all it takes is a subtle shift in perspective, an opening of the mind, an intentional pause and reset, or a new route to start to see new options and new possibilities."
― Kristin Armstrong

In his column today in The New York Times, Bruce Feiler writes about commencement speeches.  He mentions several of the most well-known, including Kurt Vonnegut's "wear sunscreen" speech that -- despite being made into a song -- was not delivered or penned by Mr. Vonnegut.  Mr. Feiler also refers to George Saunders' commencement address, which promoted a simple message:  "What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness."

According to Mr. Feiler, Mr. Saunders had initially delivered the speech at his daughter's middle-school graduation 10 years before.  When he was invited to give the address at his alma mater Syracuse last year, he gave the same speech, which he said did not receive much attention.  Until -- The New York Times posted it online and it went viral.  Mr. Feiler quotes Mr. Saunders as saying that because graduations are milestones, everybody pauses:  "In the same way at a wedding or funeral, you take a breath and say, 'We're living here.'  And in that pause moment, I think we're a little more porous."

So, Mr. Feiler's advice to graduates: "seize the pause."

The concept of seizing the pause reminds me of being present.  But there is something about seizing the moment that implies greater intentionality and movement.  One of the definitions for seize is "to grasp mentally; understand clearly and completely."  And for me, there lies the gravity of the concept.  When we understand "clearly and completely" the importance and beauty of the pause, when we are a little more "porous" as Mr. Saunders says, we can seize the many opportunities for kindness.