How often do you rush through your entire day wondering where the time went and how it's already time to climb into bed? Or how many parents feel like the time slips away and their kids have grown up in the blink of an eye. We spend so much time "being busy" and doing things we think will pay off in the future, we often forget to pause and savor the current moment. Learning to pause, taking a breath, and participating in the present moment can have tremendously healing benefits and provide much needed breaks from our repetitive thought patterns (aka: stress). 

What does it mean to pause? What do I do?
It's simple. Put down the phone, or close your laptop. Look around and observe your surroundings. Look at the person you are with, or look at the sky, your hands or anything in front of you. Listen to the sounds, even if it is as simple as the hum of your refrigerator. Feel the sensations on your skin, or of your heart beating. Smell the air, or pause and notice the scent of your food before or in the middle of your meal time. 

When is a good time to pause?
I think a better answer is when should you not pause, because you can almost pause any time. I do not recommend pausing when driving or operating machinery. Avoid pausing when engaged in activities that require your focus for safety. Otherwise most any time is a good moment to pause. Below are some examples:

• Pausing during meals can help you avoid overeating and enjoy the tastes and flavors more.
• Pausing during difficult conversations can provide insight to help you communicate better.
• Pausing during family gatherings and social activities can help you connect and find gratitude for the relationships you may sometimes take for granted.
• Pausing while giving an important speech (maybe a shorter pause) can help you gather your thoughts, calm nerves, and gain composure so you are a more effective speaker. 
• Pausing in your car when you arrive at your destination before entering can help you reduce stress, anxiety and improve your presence in public places and the workplace.
• Pausing in bed before jumping up from the alarm can help you set the tone for a more relaxing morning and start to your day. 

By now you are probably getting the idea and understand some benefits of pausing. Now is a good time to get started! 

from PuraVegan Chef:  Rebecca

Here's an easy and tasty way to eat more flax! Why eat more flax? Flax is rich in omega-3s, fiber, and LIGNANS! Because of their exceptionally high lignan content, flaxseeds have been found to aid in breast cancer prevention, so I've been looking for more ways to include flax in my daily diet, like this granola. I also included two other lignan-rich foods along with the flax: sesame seeds and strawberries.

This recipe is low in oil, increasing the nutrient density per calorie, and will make your house smell like strawberry jam.

• 2.5 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup + 2 TBSP sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup + 2 TBSP ground flaxseed meal
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups frozen strawberries (or fresh, if in season) + 1 TBSP water
• 1/4 cup + 2 TBSP maple syrup
• 1 TBSP coconut oil
• 1/4 cup cacao nibs (optional)
  
  

1. First make jam: Heat strawberries and 1 tablespoon water in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until broken down and jam-like. This should take about 25 minutes.
   
   
2. While jam is simmering: Combine oats, sesame seeds, flaxseed meal, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Preheat oven to 300 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   
   
3. When jam is done: Whisk maple syrup and coconut oil into saucepan with jam. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix well. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and spread evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring granola every 15 minutes. If using cacao nibs, stir them in before the last 15 minutes of baking.
   
   
4. Let cool completely and store in an airtight container.

written by: Gina Schneider (bio below)
Happiness is not an unattainable mystery emotion handed out to a lucky few. It’s more like car maintenance. Just like shaving and cleaning, happiness is easier to maintain with regular attention. The longer you let it slide, the harder it is to get back under control. Here are a few simple ideas to help you be and stay happy. 

1. Connect With Other Humans. 
   We are social beings. Call, text, write a letter, facebook, or send smoke signals – it doesn’t matter how you do it, just that you take some time out of your day to reach out to someone. Your day will be brighter and you will probably make the other person’s day better as well. 
   
   
2. Surround Yourself With Living Things. 
   Pet or houseplant, having something besides ourselves to care for can counteract that very human tendency to over-­‐indulge on our own B.S.. 
   
   
3. Go Outside. 
   We joke about wanting to spend days in bed with Netflix after a hard week, but how do you feel if you actually do it? I’m not knocking the mental health benefits of Netflix marathons (especially those involving cuddles with furry friends), but emerging from the cave for a little bit will stave off a post-­‐hermit funk once you’re forced to return to reality.
   
   
4. Achieve a Goal. 
   Identify one or two small non-­‐negotiable to-­‐do items and get them done before you go to bed. No excuses. 
   
   
5. Be Healthy. 
   Move your body. Eat foods that promote health and limit or eliminate foods that are harmful. This has an actual, measurable effect on your brain chemistry. When you allow your body to do the amazing things it was designed to do, you feel good. Yes. It’s that simple. 
   
   
6. Choose Gratitude. 
   The universe will toss obstacles your way, but you choose your mood. Decide to be grateful for the good in the day rather than focus on the bad. Decide to be happy and happiness will follow.