Learn to Pause

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! 

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