Power of Pause
By Susan Miles
- A pause allows you time to reset your brain and your body
- It can be taken almost anytime, anywhere. Some examples:
- before starting the car
- before walking through a door
- before speaking
- while waiting in line or for an elevator
- by a group, before a meeting begins
- before taking a bite of the food on your plate
- It is a moment of awareness during which you quickly note through your senses any physical or mental “knots” and let them go. Occurs when you form the intent to pause, take a deep breath, and observe an area or two of your body, such as your feet on the floor, your hand on the door knob, your seat in the chair.
- The pause is remedial, not analytical. For example, noting your abdominal muscles are tight and breathing is shallow as a possible sign of anxiety, and then letting those muscles relax while taking a deep breath or two; not trying to trace the cause of the anxiety but just being aware it exists
- It is not possible to experience the power of a pause while actively engaging with anything or anyone else. Put down all electronic devices.