In the hustle and bustle of life, negative patterns can envelop us, trapping our minds in a loop of ceaseless chatter. Yet, the power to disrupt these cycles is within reach. By introducing the art of the 'PAUSE', we unveil the space we often yearn for.
The art of pausing is deeply personal, and while we share nine strategies that have proven transformative, remember that the canvas of stillness is vast, and you may find other ways work better for you. Here's a guide to grounding yourself, to being completely immersed in the present, away from the regrets of the past or anxieties about the future.
FOCUS ON YOUR BREATH
Breathe in deeply, filling your lungs, and exhale slowly. Feel the rhythm. The simplicity of our breath offers profound grounding. Practices like the "Box Breath" or deep diaphragmatic breathing can be steadying anchors in moments of unrest. Ensure the out breath is longer than the in breath to relax the nervous system.
CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Sometimes, a shift in surroundings can refresh the mind. Step into a different room, rearrange your workspace, or add a plant. Let the novelty spark a moment of mindfulness.
BE AWARE OF YOUR FIVE SENSES
Close your eyes and take a moment. What do you hear? Smell? Feel? Taste? See? By engaging our senses, we anchor ourselves in the now.
RELAX YOUR SHOULDERS
Stress tends to accumulate in our shoulders. Drop them, roll them back, feel the tension melt away, even if just for a moment.
PLANT YOUR FEET FIRMLY ON THE GROUND
Feel the solidity of the earth beneath you, grounding you, holding you steady in a world of motion. Try grounding bare foot outside in nature.
SHARE GRATITUDE
Gratitude has the power to shift perspectives. Speak it, write it, feel it. Even the simplest blessings can be a sanctuary.
MOVE YOUR BODY
Introduce movement, however subtle. Try gentle stretching, take a short walk, put on a song and start dancing, or even try a yoga class. Feel the liberation of every muscle, every step.
SPEND TIME IN NATURE
Nature is a timeless healer. The rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds. Let the outdoors be your chapel of pause.
Really take in nature’s wonder around you. Whether it's a sun-drenched meadow or a tranquil beach, a local park, or mountain. Nature's cadence is an eternal reminder of life's simple wonders. Breathe in deeply, and let the world fade away.
DISCONNECT
Even if just for a few minutes, unplug from the digital realm. Experience the world undiluted, without screens or notifications. Mute your notifications and designate a digital-free time period. Perhaps it's the first hour after waking or a dedicated evening hour. In this space away from screens, we discover a tangible world, brimming with sensations.
TACTILE CRAFTS
Engage in hands-on activities like pottery, knitting, crafting, restoring a piece of furniture or repotting a plant. These activities become meditative practices, connecting us deeply to the task at hand.
PUT PEN TO PAPER
Putting thoughts, dreams, and reflections to paper can be immensely therapeutic. It offers a tangible way to converse with oneself, fostering introspection and clarity.
