The Creative Pause

Paul writes – Mark Pierson gave me a copy of the following a few years ago when I was going through some hard times. It was useful to me last year and on into 2007. It was written by Joanne Morgret:

“In the dance there is a movement called the creative pause between the completion of one movement and beginning of the next.

This pause is an essential part of our process and belongs to everyday.

The creative pause is called for when the yarn is tangled, the window stuck, the project half-finished, or the friendship faltering.

In loss, in grief, in crisis, the creative pause lends itself to creative solutions.

Often we use this moment in resentment, reaction, revenge. We pull harder. We strike and strike and strike. We tug tenaciously, pound at the problem, trying to bring about an answer – any answer.

Overwhelmed by helplessness, we obscure solutions of clarity.

Then, exhausted, we are quiet.

God works in the waiting, wanting only our best, only what is right for us. Into the silence, God comes bringing peace in discomfort, confidence in confusion, trust in frustration.

Gently, child, gently, God says. Give me your loving attention and wait willingly. I will make clear your way. Wait in confidence

and trust this creative pause.”

Perhaps it will be helpful to you too. Perhaps you can store it away for the future.

Comments

[Gary Manders]

Thanks Paul. This is very relevant for right now!

[becky]

I echo Gary's sentiments - beautiful.

[Stan Biggs]

Thanks to you, Len Hjalmarson posted this powerful piece and I felt compelled to track down its author, Joanne Morgret and found her to be a delightful character with 76 years stored in her brain.
Almost 4 decades ago she conquered addiction to drugs and alcohol and invested herself in caring for those having marriage difficulties.
Joanne reads 200 books annually from all over the map and has a beautifully textured spirit which was a gift to encounter. She is mailing a few more of her stockpile of 400 essays and I will pass them on to you for review.
Thanks for posting this little gem.