Power of the Pause
How often do we sit back, breathe, and completely free ourselves from reacting to circumstances or the actions of others? If we are like most humans, the answer is likely not very often or never. The frenetic pace of life causes us to be in a constant state of: "ready, go!" Rarely, if ever, do we embrace an opportunity to reflect, step back, simply be, or pause.
Webster's defines pause as: interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing. According to Jane Taylor, Owner/Director of Habits for Wellbeing, a pause allows an energy recharge, gains access to inner wisdom, and connects us with our feelings. There are many healthy reasons to pause. Here we include a few:
The Taking-a-Breath Pause: The taking-a-breath is great for when... feeling rushed or pressed for time. Just stop, and take three conscious breaths, counting slowly to three each time. The taking-a-breath pause helps [us] get out of [our] head and back in to your body. It relaxes the mind and body, allowing us to refocus energy where it is needed most.
The People-Pleasing Pause: Are you trying to break the habit of saying YES to everyone? If so, you may like this pause! Before you say yes when someone asks you to do something, just check-in with yourself to see if you are going to say yes out of obligation or because you really want to do it. Remember, sometimes saying yes to others, means saying no to yourself!
The Gratitude Pause: "Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." ~ Eckhart Tolle. Have you ever noticed how you feel when you stop and truly take a moment to feel grateful for your life and the wonderful things in it? There are a number of ways you can pause to be grateful. Examples... journal 5 things you are grateful for each day, or let someone in your life know how they have helped you... or write a letter, send a card, or even just a phone call.
The Mindfulness or Paying Attention Pause: The mindfulness or paying attention pause can be used in many situations. This pause has been found to be most useful when we get caught up doing lots of things. When we are this overwhelmed, take the time to pause and breathe... it brings us back to the space of being and calms us down.
The Sense of Wonder Pause: Remember as a kid you had that sense of wonder and curiosity, as though you are looking at something for the first time? We can learn to cultivate that again... but we have to be aware we need it!
"The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a
rightly-timed pause." - Mark Twain
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