Caroline Oakes > Quotes

“As the very essence of resisting fight/flight, choosing the narrow way, the road less traveled, Jesus’ nonviolent third way of pausing is the way to wake up to our full human potential: By choosing not to fight, we do not destroy; by choosing not to flee, we do not abandon. When we are able to pause and resist fight/flight, we give time for the indwelling presence of God’s grace to move us to a more loving and insightful response. Choosing this third way, we stay in relationship with God, with ourselves, and with others. We stay in the heart of the Sh’ma, loving God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.”
― Caroline Oakes, Practice the Pause: Jesus' Contemplative Practice, New Brain Science, and What It Means to Be Fully Human

“Wake up, do not be afraid—you can have eyes that see[3] beyond the fears and egoic constructs of your lives. Can you not see the divinity in yourselves,[4] in others, and in all that is around us? Watch how I do this.”
― Caroline Oakes, Practice the Pause: Jesus' Contemplative Practice, New Brain Science, and What It Means to Be Fully Human