In the relentless rhythm of our fast-paced lives, taking a momentary pause has become a precious necessity. Amidst the cacophony of deadlines and daily demands, we need ways to navigate the art of stillness by finding solace in mindful practices, digital detoxes, spontaneous escapes, and intentional breaks. As we approach the upcoming hectic holiday season, we asked our writers how they carve out pockets of tranquility. Here’s what they said:

PWN Instructor Gay Norton Edelman, who is teaching Listen, Observe, and Gather in our upcoming winter session, said:

“As the self-care maven for everyone who’ll listen, I’m all about slowing down all year long, as much as is humanly possible, with extra attention to mindfulness during this busy season. When I feel myself getting worked up—or even before!—I dip into a long list of strategies. Here are some favorites: In the moment, I pause for a slow, deep breath. Then there’s yoga, walking, gardening, a hot bath every night, gratitude lists, reading all kinds of books, and tons of calls to my girlfriends to vent, process, and give and get support. Last and most of all, poetry, especially haiku. When I go within to the inner still place, if only for a moment, and let the words flow, I know I’m home.”

PWN instructor Courtney Harler and co-host of PWN’s Debut Review podcast said:

“To pause the chaos, I enjoy reading. I’m currently captivated by The End of Drum-Time by Hanna Pylväinen, which is a finalist for the 2023 National Book Award. The novel was published this past January, and it’s a gorgeous, lush, slow, savory winter read set in the mid-nineteenth century. The way Pylväinen allows the stark setting to become its own character is so compelling. To whet your appetite, listen to an interview with the author here.”

Our program coordinator Lisa Hartgrove who is leading Friday’s Lunchtime Write-In and Tuesday’s Free Write, said:

“I pause with paws. Always. Between my high-energy dog and my squishable cat, I have all the right kind of love when I need it. Sometimes the best thing for me is to get out in the sun. My dog helps me pause from the day and take a break in nature. Sometimes the best thing for me is to sit in a quiet space with myself. My cat kneads my lap soft and purrs a rhythm that calms my anxiety. And the best part is that each pause with paws is also inspiration for when I get going again. I write about the magic in the belly of my cat. I write about the shiny world from the perspective of my dog. And I write much better when I take time away from writing, too.”

Liz Jannuzzi, our operations & communications manager who is co-leading book inc’s 2024 Memoir Incubator, said:

“After listening to a clip on NPR about a study in which the participants got up from their desks every 30 minutes and moved for five minutes, I thought, I need to do something like that. Every 30 minutes seems impossible though, so I modified it. During the work day, I take two five-minute breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and walk around my backyard. My husband has made walking trails in our yard, including two wooden bridges, so I actually have a five-minute loop. It’s the perfect reset.

book inc Peer Artist Leader Céline Keating, who will be reading from her newest novel at our upcoming in-person Author Reading and Q&A, said:

“Walking is my go-to destresser, and for holiday stress in particular—as well as to get in the mood! I take my camera and explore various neighborhoods. I search out interesting decorations and beautiful lighting displays, which I try to capture precisely at dusk. I use these to send as holiday messages or post on social media, and consider it part of my writing practice.”

book inc writer Lou Storey, who is teaching The Psychology of Character Development starting in January 2024, said:

“When I was a kid, the sun was my sweetheart and the total measure of my easy day. In school, I learned my numbers and soon gave the clock full lockstep command of my life. Old now, the watch is retired. I spend my days in the garden courting my old flame, sunscreen be damned.”