Questions open up new ways of thinking and ignite transformative thoughts. They can puzzle, push, prod, enlighten, and inspire. A few weeks ago, in my ongoing list of thoughts and writing prompts on my phone, I jotted the question: What is the pace of my heart? I’m unsure what I read or heard that sparked the question, but I like the question!
It’s been an interesting question to consider. I find the best questions are explored on many different levels. Questions that aren’t obvious but are multifaceted evoke fresh thoughts, ideas, and growth. I often tell my kids, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you will always be what you’ve always been.” 1 The same principle applies to questions. If you always ask the same questions, you won’t find new answers. If the goal is deeper growth and understanding, asking different questions is one tool.
What is the pace of my heart?
From a physical and scientific stance, I could determine my literal “heart’s pace” by checking my pulse. My heart’s “rate of movement” would be between 60 to 100 beats per minute. My answer would satisfy the question but wouldn’t expose much material for reflection or deeper learning!
I pose the pace of my heart question not literally but in a more spiritual, reflective, growth, and exploration sense. What is the pace of my heart?2
Is the pace of my heart slow and reflective? Is the pace of my heart moving towards growth? Am I living in a way that aligns with the values and desires of my heart? Is my life keeping pace with my heart? Is my heart keeping pace with my life?
Pace has several different meanings based on the context.
It’s the rate of movement (Pace of play for golfers…)
It’s the rate of progress or forward momentum…(They kept pace with the demand…)
It’s an example to be emulated (Run with the pace runner for your speed…)
It’s a tempo or beat. (Taylor’s new song has a steady pace…)
It’s a way to measure distance (She paced off the yardage…)
It’s a way of walking (He was pacing the carpet…)
The multifaceted meanings of ‘pace’ surprised me. It makes the question of the pace of my heart all the more intriguing. I’m contemplating questions like:
What is the rate of progress in deepening love, hope, faith, and belief in my heart?
How do I move forward with the growth, questions, development, and learning my heart desires?
How do I set a pace, an example to be emulated, for those who matter most to me?
What is the tempo of life that suits my heart best?
What would I find if I were to pace (walk the length and depth) the size of my heart?
These questions require thoughtful, deeper answers that expose things I might not like to see or help me see beautiful places of growth that should be celebrated!
Considering the pace of my heart, soul, body, and mind is a backdoor way to uncover alignment. Is the way I live, think, learn, decide, and believe in alignment with my values?
While reading the entire Mirriam Webster.com definition of pace, I was surprised to find the following note near the end of the entry.3
“The Latin word pace is a form of pax, meaning “peace” or “permission” and when used sincerely, the word does indeed suggest a desire for both.” (Merriam-Webster.com)
Suddenly, the question gets even more interesting! Where is there peace in my heart? What is my heart giving me permission to do, be, etc.? How does the pace of my heart bring peace?
We would prefer clear and easy answers, but questions offer the greatest potential for opening us to transformation….The spaciousness within the question allows love to fill and enliven us.
-Richard Rohr (August 19, 2022, Center for Action & Contemplation)
I know this question is off-beat, not entirely straightforward, with lots of spaciousness to work with, and that’s precisely the kind of question I love.
So, what is the pace of your heart?
A Blessing For Considering Pace:
When you consider the pace of your life and the pace of your heart, may you be surprised by grace and new insights. When your pace of play feels too leisurely, may you find ways to energize what needs new vitality and growth. When the tempo of your heart feels too quick, may you ease into a pace that aligns with what you can do and do well. May your pace match your heart’s ability to live well.
Ask yourself one of the following versions of the pace of your heart question. If you find soul, body, spirit, or mind more compelling, substitute the word that speaks to you!
What is the rate of progress in deepening love, hope, faith, and belief in my heart?
How do I move forward with the growth, questions, development, and learning my heart desires?
How do I set a pace, an example to be emulated, for those who matter most to me?
What is the tempo of life that suits my heart best?
What would I find if I were to pace (walk the length and depth) the size of my heart?
Is the pace of my heart slow and reflective?
Is the pace of my heart moving towards growth?
Am I living in a way that aligns with the values and desires of my heart?
Is my life keeping pace with my heart?
Is my heart keeping pace with my life?
Is the way I live, think, learn, decide, and believe in alignment with my values?
Where is there peace in my heart?
What is my heart giving me permission to do, be, etc.?
How does the pace of my heart bring peace?
I heard this poem earlier this week and haven’t stopped thinking about it. I invite you to listen here and find moments of “exchange [that] are true dwellings of the holy” this week.
If you prefer to read “Small Kindness,” you can find it here.
(It was probably first said by Henry Ford, but it’s a little murky)
You can use mind, body, soul, and spirit instead of heart. Choose which word resonates best with you!
This note was about using pace as a preposition meaning, contrary to the opinion of.