The Wisdom of the Stall
This scroll is for anyone moving through a lull — whether professional, personal, or creative.
It began as a gentle reminder to myself: Growth is not linear.
Lulls are signs to step back from speeding toward outcomes
that may need readjustment.
A Taoist pause —
to realign,
to notice what’s been overlooked,
to tend to untapped resources,
to restore neglected self-care.
Not just to be more productive —
but to feel more reconnected
More whole.
A moment to replenish,
and to ready for the momentum.
Like the surfers who float in calm waters
waiting for the ocean swell to gather —
then join the wave that will carry them forward.
•••••••••••
The Wisdom of the Stall
When nothing moves forward, maybe it’s not supposed to.
When life stalls it might be the universe
asking you to turn inward
We panic in stillness
We mistake lulls for failure
But the Tao pauses not to trip — but to steady us
Not every delay is a detour
Sometimes it’s a turning point
Imagine the stall is on purpose
The universe reminds you to recalibrate
What am I forcing forward
that wants to be still?
A halt as a legitimate strategy
Revisit your assumptions
Like the moon in eclipse
your light isn’t gone —
it’s simply gathering power in shadow
The Tao speaks in silence
The stall is a message to slow down
Reassess
Redirect
If you’ve been stuck, you’re not alone
You may be right on time
Let’s adjust course.
Be still in the stall
How can you notice the signpost while in warp speed?
Even the stars pause to realign
So may you.
•••••
© My-Tien Vo – July 28, 2025
