Why I adopted the Mantra, Power in the Pause
For much of my life, I operated in “go mode,” always striving to achieve, accomplish, and check the next goal off my list. Reflection and stillness often took a backseat to productivity, as I got swept up in society’s relentless wave of doing. Looking back, I realize that some of this drive came from a desire to succeed, and if fully transparent —perhaps even fueled by the fear of falling short.
About 10 years ago, I began to feel the weight of this constant motion, which led me on a journey of deep self-reflection, guided by faith, yoga, and mindfulness. Practices that encouraged one common and profound idea: to pause.
I stopped looking outward for validation and answers and instead turned inward to rediscover my purpose and redefine my priorities. This realization inspired me to adopt the Mantra: Power in the Pause.
Consider adopting the Mantra, Power In The Pause
In a world that often moves at an overwhelming pace, taking a moment to “pause” is more than just a break—it’s a conscious choice to step back, reflect, and reset. The pause allows you to gain clarity, reduce stress, improve health, and approach life’s demands with greater clarity, focus, and intention.
It fosters emotional awareness, helping you respond to challenges with compassion for yourself and others. By practicing the pause, you improve your health and wellbeing, cultivate mindfulness, and strengthen your ability to act thoughtfully and intentionally in your actions and interactions.
Simply said, pausing provides powerful mental, physical, and emotional benefits that can transform how you navigate life.
So, how do you Practice The Pause?
Below are 10 ways that you can put the Pause into Practice.
10 Ways To Practice Mindfulness
1. Mindful Breathing
Pause for a few moments to take deep, deliberate breaths. Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for six. This simple practice helps to calm the nervous system, enhance focus, and ground you in the present moment.
2. Body Scan Meditation
Spend 5–10 minutes tuning into your body. Notice areas of tension or discomfort without judgment. This practice increases self-awareness and can be done anywhere to help reduce stress and reconnect with yourself.
3. Daily Gratitude Check-In
Set aside time each day to reflect on three things you’re grateful for. This pause fosters a positive mindset, enhances emotional resilience, and improves your ability to approach others with compassion.
4. Intentional Transitions
Before moving from one task or interaction to the next, take a brief pause to reset. Ask yourself: “What energy do I want to bring to this next moment?” This practice ensures you approach each situation with clarity and intention.
5. Journaling Pause
Take 5–10 minutes to journal your thoughts, feelings, or concerns. Writing can clarify emotions, help you process stress, and provide insight into your responses and actions.
6. Silence and Stillness
Dedicate a few minutes each day to simply sitting in silence. Resist the urge to check your phone or engage in distractions. This creates space for reflection and connection with your inner self.
7. Compassion Pause
When feeling frustrated with yourself or others, pause and silently repeat a phrase like, “May I/they be at peace.” This practice shifts your perspective, reducing reactivity and fostering empathy.
8. Engage Your Senses
Take a sensory break by focusing on what you can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell in the moment. This mindfulness technique brings you into the present and improves emotional regulation.
9. Nature Connection
Spend time in nature—even a few minutes outdoors can be grounding. Pause to notice the details: the sound of leaves rustling, the feel of the breeze, or the colors of the sky. Nature helps reduce stress and enhances clarity.
10. Set Daily Intentions
Begin your day by pausing to identify your priorities and how you want to show up. Ask yourself: “What matters most today?” Revisit these intentions throughout the day to stay aligned with your values and goals.
Consider making a change by adopting the Mantra, Power in the Pause.
May this be the year you make more space for pausing, so you experience heightened awareness and clarity, improved health and wellbeing, and greater purpose and intention in your life.
“Awareness is the first step to intentional change, and intrinsic motivation is the accelerator pedal.” - Terrie Reeves
I hope you are motivated to take action by PAUSING more this year.
There is Power in the Pause
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