The Gift of Pausing

Ever feel like you're running on a hamster wheel, going, going, going, but never really getting anywhere? Like you're reading a novel with no punctuation, just sentence after sentence, no time to breathe, no time to think? Yeah, that's what life can feel like if we don't give ourselves a break.

We're all busy. Our to-do lists are overflowing, and the thought of pausing, of not doing something, can feel like adding another item to the list. But here's the thing: in a world that's constantly speeding up, pausing is the most effective way to create more time, space, and clarity.

Think about it. If we keep going without rest, we're setting ourselves up for burnout, illness, or even just a general sense of blah. And when we do finally hit that wall, we're forced to pause anyway. So why not do it consciously?

Pausing is about coming back to ourselves. It's about grounding ourselves in the present moment, feeling fully connected to our bodies and minds. It's about taking a deep, nourishing breath and letting our minds settle. Imagine a lake. The surface is choppy, and it's hard to see what's beneath. But when things settle, the water becomes clear. That's what happens when we pause. Our minds slow down, and we can see things more clearly. We can reflect on how we're doing, how we're feeling, and listen to our inner wisdom. We can notice the beauty in life, acknowledge the pain, and even access our intuition.

Here's the thing: Pausing isn't about being lazy or unproductive. It's about being intentional and taking care of ourselves.

So when should you pause?

1. When you feel overwhelmed. "I have so much to do, I don't know where to start!"
2. When you feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. "I'm tired, but I never feel like I get a good night's sleep."
3. When you feel a sense of anxiety, even when things are fine on the surface. "I just feel anxious, even when there's nothing to be anxious about."
4. When you can't seem to focus for very long. "I can't concentrate on anything for more than a few minutes.
5. When you're easily annoyed by things. "Everything seems to irritate me lately."
6. When you feel like you've lost your spark. "I just don't feel like myself anymore."

How to Pause

There are tons of ways to hit the pause button. Here are a few ideas:

Connect with nature. Go for a walk, sit by a lake, watch the birds. Nature is a great way to slow down and appreciate the simple things.

Journal. Writing by hand is a great way to slow down your mind and get in touch with your thoughts and feelings.

Do a body scan. Take a few minutes to check in with your body. Notice any tension and breathe into those areas.

The bottom line is this: Pausing is not a luxury, it's a necessity. It's how we take care of ourselves, both physically and mentally.

So make time for it. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.