12/05/2025
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed my Facebook feed was filled with people in my area talking about how the Northern Lights would be visible again within minutes.
Growing up in the Midwest, I don’t ever remember being able to see them this far south! So when I was lucky enough to see them earlier this year, I figured that was probably the only time I’d ever get to see them from where I live.
But then it was happening again! ✨
Even though I was busy with dishes and other chores that needed to get done after a long day of work, I knew I needed to pause and head outside to see the Northern Lights again.
Sure, I had already seen them before, so did it really matter to see them again?
I’d argue, yes, and here’s why…
✨ Pausing to observe beauty like this - which doesn’t happen often - helps you reconnect with so many feelings in the midst of the daily grind and chaos on the world. Feelings such as gratitude, awe, and peace.
✨ It’s good to practice the willingness to pause and pivot when something worthy of your attention happens - something that can pull your mind away from future-focused worries, swirling thoughts about past painful experiences, and bring you back to the present and that very moment in time.
For those few minutes that I stood there observing that beautiful sight, the world felt still and peaceful…and I noticed that my mind and body felt calm and grounded.
I share this experience as a reminder to us all (and yes, even to us therapists) to grab these moments that can gift us with the feelings we don’t always find during our busy, non-stop world.
Sure, we can choose to not pause for them or say “we’ll take a look next time”, but then we rob ourselves of the beautiful moments we don’t often get enough of. So grab them when you can!
💬 What sights and experiences have you paused for lately that have left you feeling calm, grounded, and grateful?