Essence of PACE
He reaches across the desk for his pen
Once again he scribbles on the pad
The sticky is peeled off and handed to me
He gives me that look over his glasses
He’s done this before
Every time I visit in fact
I have quite a few notes
I know what it says
A four letter word
Some thing I need to do
And frequently do not
PACE
I have to be reminded
Driving it full on is my default mode
‘Til I’m done…
Or nowadays ‘done in’
How do I change natural instinct?
How do I curb compulsion?
How do I ‘lower’ my standards?
Still keeping Satisfaction-with-Self intact
I must learn to PACE
Like a toddler learning to walk
Or a child riding a bike
I keep a journal
Writing all I do
The impact it has
For my condition that can mean pay-back
For days even weeks after
Grading 1-10
Pleasure
Pain
Fatigue
Frustration
Gradually I get to know possible and impossible
It varies
Identifying warning signs
I explore what Pacing means for me
A pattern emerges
All that applies to Physical, Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Applies to Spiritual Wellbeing too
It takes a while but…
PACE has come to represent:
Priorities, Awareness, Calmness & Expression
Prioritise: create order, cut the clutter, trivia… define the Important
Awareness: of all around me the large and small, ordinary and extraordinary
Calmness: slow down and even out the highs and lows
Expression: explore and create from the heart
Australian coastal waters thrive with dangers
A Rip is a strong current pulling out to sea
Powerful
Swift
Overwhelming
To be
Dragged out of depth
Dread
Panic
Building
Drowning feels inevitable
Take charge
Stay calm
Relax
Float
Assess the situation
Do not fight the pull
Find another way out
Swim parallel… or
Seek help
This is the essence of PACE
The essence of PEACE
Is at hand
More to come…
Words and Pictures © Denise Stanford 2010
Within the Vine 
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