Where is everyone in a rush to get to? Uh….it should be only to places that are helping you to better your life or those around you. There are several distractions in life that get us to forget about intentional pauses. There is an overwhelming amount of social media feeds, capital demands and social change which may lead to feeling like bettering yourself or others is an action of the past. However, intentional pauses can alleviate the day to day pressures to unlock your mind and relax your body into a place of visualizing the opportunities and taking action to be a part of what makes you and those around you better. Remember to change the world, only requires each of us to make a difference everyday from a smile to forward movment.
Remember the pandemic had us in a freenzy that is still lingering. We were stuck in the mode of defining “essential movement” which distracted from the core essentials such as—grocery shopping to try new recipes, going for walks, exercising outside, socializing with others, meeting new people, exploring ideas that were dormant in the back of our minds, and intentionally creating time to be with our selves for spiritual grounding, growth and study.
How amazing does it sound to create time for you within each day that is not based on a mandate or a role that you play for others. Pausing is a time to stop the noise which is essential for you to not get lost in the age of information, data, AI and regular life in your community as you go about your daily routines. Throughout the daily take time to digest interactions, conversations, and activities in small increments of 1 to 5 minutes so that you can reset. If you want some exercises or meditations for resetting, you can read–Letters of Devotion which as a powerful reset meditative prayer. You can also take deep breathes slowing while setting intentions for understanding and self revelation.
When pausing, it will be difficult at first, especially if you are a giver or a workaholic. For others, it may be easier if your life style is one that is focused on you already but filled with tasks after tasks or multiple activities. Parents and Caregivers may find it challenging to step away from those we love for a moment. BUT TRUST, EVERYONE WILL BE BETTER FOR YOU PAUSING!!!
TO PAUSE, TRY THESE TECHNIQUES:
- Listen to a playlist of instrumentals (no words)–find any genre you like but remember there are no words being spoken or sung.
- Journal through writing, typing or speaking into one space (notebook/app) that you can refer back to afterwards.
- Complete a puzzle
- Indulge in an activity or hobby
- Schedule at least 30 minutes each day where you are not talking to anyone, performing tasks, fulfilling duties, or doing anything except for being with you. You should create a title for your special time that stands out.
- Place this time in your calendar and set an alarm that goes off at least 15 minutes so that you are not overwhelmed by rushing which allows you to conclude whatever may be happening that day.
- Note that the 30 minutes does not have to be at the same time each day.
- As you get accustomed to this pause begin to expand the time by 10 minute increments.
- The goal is 1 hour per day at least.
- If you would like to push yourself, in addition to the major daily pause schedule 1 day per week that is just for you and your desires. This can be a day of activities, hobbies, building, learning, rest, exploration, nature walks, a movie along with at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of silence without distractions.
When pausing you are stopping yourself from indulging in the regular pattern of “doing” just to get the job done, and that job includes formal work all the way down to the tasks that you assign yourself to maintain your life. You are not a robot who can continuously function in noise. You are an individual with emotions, spirit, thought and so many dynamic aspects that you need to pause just to be you with you.
Let’s enjoy intentionally pausing in time as we learn how to relate to ourselves and others on deeper levels. The relationships that we have in our lives are now something that we can actually examine and feel the impact. This includes our relationships with food, habits, laughter, inner-thoughts, daily routines, and spiritual beliefs. Pausing is an act of self love and essential for your health both physically and mentally. You will be surprised at how much better you begin to feel whether you are active person or in remission from a disease and dis-ease. You are worthy of your own time.
With great love and deep fondness,
Dr. Acquilla Faye
Tribe Transform 
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