Hitting My Pause Button

In 2007 I sat next to a gifted lady at a seminar for 3 days in Houston, Texas.From time to time Deni has shared her thoughts and messages.I'm hoping to encourage Deni to create her blog soooo........


Today I would very much like to introduce you to the talented Ms. Denise Alvarez author of this article.



Around a week ago, I left my apt to catch the bus to the supermarket. Like many times, I was drained by week's end from my job. I remember having a bad tension headache that, stubbornly, wouldn't go away.


I walked a quick pace to the bus stop because the bus would be coming at any moment, and I've missed quite a few here in Florida when heading somewhere. In my peripheral view, I could see someone cycling down the street, opposite the direction I was walking in. I wasn't going to pay any particular attention to the person headed in my direction, I was on a mission and not in the best of moods.





The cyclist out on the edge of the street approached as I kept my sight and pace fixed. All of a sudden, I hear a voice cheerfully say, "Hello!" Since I usually return a friendly greeting, and not wishing to be rude, I looked in the direction of the voice. A woman who, at first glance, appeared to have some disabilities, was flashing the biggest smile at me, after having cheerfully greeted me. Her eyes and face glowed. I smiled back. The woman continued on her way, as I went on mine.


Simple occurrence, but here is what touched me... This person seemed to be out not just for a bicycle ride but, seemingly, on a mission to greet as many people as she encountered on her ride. She was out to perform a job and she likely did it with tens of people, if not more, before her trip was over. Her smile was something I briefly looked at, but her energy was something that mysteriously clung to me. In an instant, it mellowed me out.


I continued on my trip, boarding my bus, and heading to my supermarket. When I got off my stop, instead of heading straight to the store, I walked down to the St Johns River. I decided to hit the 'pause button' in my day and engage in a little consciousness of the beauty around me. I listened to the lap of the waves hitting the wall I sat on, I felt the breeze caress my skin, and I just took in the stillness of everything else around.


I eventually did get to the supermarket, but not before I had taken a one-hour walk, after sitting there for awhile, and discovered a park nearby. There, I again paused and just breathed, taking in the sounds of the river, as well as children's voices as they played and flew kites. Of course, not surprisingly, my headache kept diminishing in intensity as time wore on.


What a wonderful gift that smile was to me, causing me to hit the pause button in my life, allowing me to indulge in things around me, and allowing me to heal. Amazing that both good and bad energies can cling to us for so long...


Thank you, friends, for listening.

~Deni