Statio. For monastics it works like this. The bell calling you to prayer will ring in about 5 minutes, but you’re already at the chapel. Ahead of time. And just in time for Statio.

You stand quietly in the hallway, or you may enter the chapel and sit down. In the quiet, you mentally recollect and release where you’ve been – and enter the present moment.  When the bell rings, you’ll find yourself present to the God who is present with you. 

Statio.  For me, it works like this. I just finished putting the laundry in to soak. My next task is to begin researching and writing.  But now, in the in-between time, it’s time for Statio.

I stand still and take a breath. I release where I’ve been and become aware of where I am. I look out the window. There is a wild wind blowing right now. I see a flock of crows navigating the currents. Tall grasses are hanging on by their roots as they’re pushed back and forth. I step outside into the wind and feel it pushing me and I hear the wind singing as it moves through the trees. 

I take another breath and feel the pleasure of being in this wild wind present with the wild wind of God’s Holy Spirit all around. I leave my Statio and walk over to my computer, present and refreshed.

Statio: the practice of stopping.
A holy pause.

There are a number of reasons why taking a pause is a good idea.

First, we know our bodies are not designed for continuous operation. Our mind and muscles become fatigued and need a restorative pause. 

When we pause our brains change focus and frequently relax into our Default Mode Network. This network consolidates memories and opens the possibility for creative insights. 

A pause invites our nervous system to move from its action sympathetic to its relaxing parasympathetic mode. 

A pause gives us an opportunity to reconnect with who we are and who we want to be. Pauses are times we can remind ourselves of what’s important in the bigger picture.

A pause provides an opportunity for a reset, recalibrating our day. Sometimes this will create a change of direction.

A pause is a chance to enjoy the present moment. 

A pause is an opportunity for us to refocus on the God who is lovingly focused on us. 

 I am easily trapped in a productivity myth of getting it all done. Choosing the holy pause of statio is a brave step away from this myth. 

Statio is a remedy to the hurry that undermines my well-being.

During statio we stop. An unhurried moment, a holy pause. We enter the present moment with the God who is present with us.

I invite you to join me in playing with the practice of Statio this week. 

Soul Sculpting Project: Taking a Holy Pause with Statio

1. Select an in-between time in your day.
2. Stop and breathe 
3. Recall and release where you’ve been. 
4. Notice the present moment 

Stop and breathe — Recall and release — Notice the now.

It’s time for me to take another Statio. As I take a breath, the first thing I notice is that I’m very stiff from being in one position for a long time. I walk around and stretch. I look out the window and see the wild wind still hard at work. It is currently drying my laundry. I walk outside and I’m surprised by the chill in the air. The wind is still singing in the trees. I take another breath. It’s good to rest.

Is this a good in-between time for you to take a Statio, before you move on?

Stop and breathe — recall and release — Notice the now.