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The Power of Pausing

Have you ever considered the power of pausing? Think of the benefits of pausing before speaking, pausing before eating, pausing before firing off an email, pausing before rushing off to your next activity, pausing before getting out of bed.

These are just a few examples that came to mind. Some of the benefits I imagine each could have for me would be:

Pausing before speaking: I might realize that what I'm about to say doesn't really need to be said. Sometimes I feel like I simply talking to fill the void. As if silence needs to be filled. Silence is beautiful.

Pausing before eating: I should probably practice pausing before each bite. I know I would enjoy whatever I'm eating more. I tend to multi-task when I eat. Many times my last bite is what causes me to wake up to the fact that I just ate. I should stop robbing myself of the experiences of enjoying each and every bite.

Pausing before firing off an email: This would be helpful if it was a heated exchange. Essentially, pausing before responding so that you can be sure to be "acting" and not "re-acting." I don't like doing anything in the heat of the moment.

Pausing before getting out of bed: I'm actually really good at this already. I like to pause in bed and recall and record my dreams. I also like to spiritually create my day.

Pausing before rushing off to your next activity: I like the idea of this. Seems like a powerful way to bring closure to what went before and mindfulness to what comes next. This is something I have appreciated about my long commute to work and back home again. I use the time on my way to work to prepare for the office tasks that lie at hand and on the way home, I use the time to prepare for enjoying my family upon my return.

Pausing is a powerful practice. It creates a pocket of time where we can clear our minds and act anew. We get to gather our presence, set aside any baggage, and act according to our highest selves.

I wonder how we can remember to incorporate The Power of Pausing into our daily routine when we've become so habituated to racing and rushing?

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