In the crescendo that precedes an event, there often comes a moment of stillness. Of holding one’s breath. A collective pause.

Anticipation can prompt a host of activities and emotions. We prepare personally and socially in many ways.

But with heightened anticipation — as we draw near — we experience a kind of quiet.

There’s a pause in conversation. A settling of movement. A silent watchfulness. A focused attention.

And like a symphonic caesura, life then resumes and carries forward. Anticipation, pause, release. Preparation, yield, continuation. Like respiration, it’s the natural way of things.