Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”

A seed doesn’t grow in a matter of minutes. It must be nurtured consistently over time for a plant to grow and bear fruit. Over or underwatering can be detrimental. Pacing is necessary for good gardening.

Pacing has to do with tempo. It can be fast or slow, like music. It can change, and that’s ok. Sometimes changing pace is beneficial. But sometimes it’s not. If the beating of your heart is too inconsistent, that can be a real problem!

Doctors can install pacemakers to regulate our hearts. But we are our own “pacemaker” for most things.

Writers like me often work well under deadlines. But I’ve learned it’s important to set a reasonable pace to meet deadlines instead of staying up for 24 hours straight trying to reach the finish line!

The art of pacing requires patience and persistence. It requires seeing further into the future than one day, and balancing rest and activity. Set timelines and boundaries for your days. Strive consistently toward your goals. Conscientious pacing promotes good health and better outcomes.

Today’s Peace of Wisdom can be found in mastering the art of pacing.