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Finding Space in a Noisy World
By embracing the pauses in life — what the Japanese call “ma” — we create room for joy, meaning, and connection.
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As the year winds down, the holiday season kicks into full swing. Parties crowd our calendars, music pumps through speakers, and laughter echoes across halls. It’s a time for joy and connection, yet something often feels missing. Have you noticed how, when the music gets too loud, conversations fade away? Or how, in the buzz of a crowded party, you can feel strangely disconnected?
There’s a reason for this. When everything is turned up, we lose something crucial — the quiet moments in between. These are the pauses that allow us to connect meaningfully with one another. When there’s too much noise, even the laughter and music can feel hollow.
What we often miss in these loud, busy gatherings is a sense of balance. Space between sounds, stillness between actions, and moments of calm amidst the chaos — these are the things that give life depth. Without them, everything becomes a blur, and we lose the chance to truly savor the experience.
