Pausing for progress

A snowy tree is bent along the Prosper Trail in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The more time you spend in nature, the more you notice the unusual. Cross-country skiing along the Prosper Trail in Woodstock, Vermont, on Saturday, I was impressed by a tree so sharply bent that it pointed straight to the side. It had a certain majestic quality, with fallen snow lining each branch and the whole trunk, and the outlines of the mountains and clouds lingering beyond the distant trees.

The image was one of inspiration, making me pause along the trail just to capture that one moment. It reminded me that "pausing along the trail" is a good habit to put into place in daily life, because moments of reflection enrich us. Within them, we have opportunities for inspiration we may not experience otherwise. Sometimes, our daily routines shut out chances for reflection without us even noticing, but that can change if we slow down, consider our actions and put genuine thought into what we do.

That "slower" approach to life frees our thinking, and opens it further toward the acceptance of useful ideas and possibly innovation. Those well-placed pauses till the soil of our thought, so we can cultivate progress and generate expressions of good in our lives. Being more receptive to that good is critical today, because it provides renewal — something the world greatly needs. Each chance we have to help with that renewal, is a chance to make a difference for ourselves and the world. That's the best way to grow as a person, and we should cherish each such opportunity.

— Gareth Henderson