I’m not sure why, but I absolutely feel I am called to have more down time in my life. I am very busy, and in the past, I would just push through the day to accomplish all of my tasks. By the way, I never finished because things kept being added to the list throughout the day.
In the last couple of years, I have found taking small “pauses” during my day made a huge difference in my energy levels and way of operating. I actually feel less tired at the end of the day and make more precise decisions.
In our AWE (Academy of Women Emerging) program, we work with entrepreneurs to create and manifest more powerful business and personal lives. The one thing many people share when they enter the program is the feeling of being exhausted and overwhelmed. When questioned, many say they don’t feel they have time to stop and take care of themselves. They think they can’t seem to catch up and then just push harder. I totally understand because we are in a culture which conditions us to work hard to be successful.
Let’s look at the definition of the word pause:
- Interrupt action or speech briefly
- A temporary stop in action or speech
The exciting part of this definition is it is a call to stop or interrupt something. We often don’t think about quitting because our heads are down and we are forging ahead to achieve. I want you to know once you are clear about the need to “pause” there are simple tools to support you in being more healthy and vital. There is nothing more important than your clarity and peace of mind. Here are some ideas on how you could begin to understand you need to slow down:
Symptoms of a need to “pause.”
- Can’t shut off your mind when you get home
- Feel confused about choices you need to make
- Do not take time to eat properly
- Do not take time to exercise
- Feel overwhelmed in all areas of your life
- Your family or partner complain about a lack of connecting time
- Do not have a consistent spiritual practice to support you
Working with leaders, coaches and authors has been an excellent gift for me. They actually have been some of my great teachers. I not only get to support them, but I get to see myself and learn where I still need to grow and expand. I have learned over the years the power of self-reflection and creating processes to support my staying awake and aware. It took me a while to discover, but the moment I am clear I need to “pause,” I move into a process I developed. It has assisted me in changing in extraordinary ways. I want to share it with you. This process will help you in the moment and can become part of an entire way of being around self-care and self-appreciation.
The Pause Process
If you have an office or quiet space you can immediately do this process. If you do not have a quiet place, take a break and go outside or to the restroom.
- Breathe – Simply take a few deep breaths to bring you out of your head and into your body.
- Attune – Without judging, get clear about what you are thinking and how you are behaving.
- Release – Consciously decide to surrender thoughts of lack and limitation.
- Align – Bring in words or affirmations which support you in being grounded.
- Recharge – Move your body, put on some calming music, take a short nap, and/or take a short walk.
- Restart – Set an intention to move forward and/or shift your priorities to be more in alignment with making you feel supported.
Let me say here, pausing is essential whether you work for someone else or for yourself. I used to blame the companies I worked for as the reason for my constant state of exhaustion. Then, I opened my own business and recognized the same patterns.
One of the things I support my clients in doing is to create a daily plan consistently nurturing their health and well-being. Whether we like it or not, our bodies are not machines. They need rest and rejuvenation to function well. You can push through, but eventually, your body will invite you to “pause.” For some of my clients, it has been a huge wake-up call. Health challenges forced them to review their life choices. The “pause” allows you to become more conscious of your way of being in every moment. Here are some tools you can use to create the habit of healthy living.
“Pause” Tools
- Start your day in the quiet – This can be 5 minutes or an hour. The important thing is to start your day in reflection of some kind. I encourage you not to look at your phone or device until after you have done this.
- Affirm a positive outcome for the day – A simple statement like “this day is glorious and filled with joy” or “I am an expression of power and peace” can make all the difference in the energy of the day.
- Create “power statements” to say daily – Examples: “I have always been powerful and creative”; Today, I am experiencing expansive and collaborative relationships”; “My unique genius is fully orbed this day.”
- Discover your “passion points” – Make a list of what lights you up and make sure these qualities are infused into each day.
- Commit to radical self-care – Put you on the calendar to do something to support you daily. (And then do it!)
I am aware making this kind of commitment can seem daunting. However, I promise you activating a “pause perspective” into your daily life can be transformative. It most definitely has changed my life.
If I can support you or your organization in living a more powerful life, please contact me.
Have an incredible month.
Love and light,
Cynthia
