Letter of the day: The power of a pause: Perhaps it could become contagious

Canada did not disappoint us with the beauty and creativity in its high-tech production for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics. But the most moving moment of the entire event was the moment of silence to remember the tragic death of luger Nodar Kumaritashvili from the country of Georgia. The looks on the faces of the athletes said it all. Some had their eyes closed while others stared straight ahead. We can only imagine the thoughts or prayers that were racing through their minds. The sense of unity was palpable. Respect for the loss of human life, the price of following one's dreams, the frailty of life and the fragility of our world seemed wrapped up in that one minute of silence. Why does it take a tragedy to bring about a sacred moment when people are gathered? What if Congress, the Minnesota Legislature and the city councils regularly had a moment of silence before they began doing the "people's business"? What if every CEO invited her senior management team to get collected and focused before charging into a full agenda? What about physicians in operating rooms, teachers in classrooms, and parents of rowdy kids at the dinner table? Perhaps the unity we felt in the middle of this internationally televised show just might bring about a change in the way we govern, do business, educate, relate to one another and live our lives. It is a start. The power of silence in a culture that is noisy and addicted to information and entertainment is worth a try by those courageous enough to pause and invite others to join. PEG BIRK, MINNEAPOLIS