Power of the pause
Doesn’t it seem like there is noise and chaos all around us?
Have you ever reacted from a place of anger or exhaustion?
Do you look back on your day and realize that you checked your phone 100 times out of habit?
There are consequences when you forget to pause, and we all forget. We get busy, tired, or distracted. As I’ve grown, I appreciate that pausing truly is golden.
why is pausing benEficial For me?
The pause is simply just that. Stopping and taking your time and to be here fully in the moment. This helps:
Regain focus and amp up productivity
Feel connected, nurtured and cared for
Revaluate priorities and adjust goals
Keeps us going
Pausing is a necessity. It’s not a luxury, much less a whim or a sign of laziness. Think of it as a vitamin supplement your body needs to remain healthy and strong. Mind the importance of timely pausing, as otherwise you might end up not being able to restore your strength on your own terms.
Practice pause
Tea/coffee drinker. Use that time away from your screen to get the water boiling for a cuppa. This gives you the time to regain focus.
Stand up. Pause as you sit or stand and notice that you are moving positions. Give your eyes, back and brain a break. For an extra long pause, take a big stretch before sitting or standing.
Respond thoughtfully. If you are used to multitasking and reacting to email, voicemail and other things all day, batch your decision-making. Spend an hour thoughtfully responding to email and then close your email and turn off your alerts. Check in when you’re ready.
In the daily rush of urban life, remember to pause for just a little. Give yourself moments to feel alive and acknowledge your feelings and emotions. Meditation is a great way to do this. But however you do it, give yourself chances to simply contemplate this beautiful world and look serenely into its wide-open eyes.
As simple as it sounds, injecting a pause can make a huge difference in the quality of your life. As one of my friends puts it, “you’re the sum of your decisions.”