We go back to the topic of “pause.” It is an important mindfulness practice that can make a big difference in our lives. This past year all of us have been faced with uncertainty and keeping up with the constant changes has created a great deal of stress for all of us. When stressed, we find ourselves responding to people and situations in ways that can be inappropriate making it worse and regretting it later. Learning to pause before responding is a healthy skillful response and practicing it when things are easy, we can strengthen it and make it a habit. That way when things are tough, we have established a skillful response and can access this skill within us.
A pause is when we stop and release our identification with the problem and detach from our automatic response. As we pause, there is a moment of stillness that helps us break that cycle of automatic response and of the past. As we pause, we can be more present with the situation and notice the actual experience, discomfort or pleasure, fear or excitement. We release ourselves from our past responses and we can see the situation as it is in present moment.
“You cannot control the results, only your actions.” — Allan Lokos
This week challenge yourself with a “pause.” When you are faced with an uncomfortable situation or a situation that you feel would benefit from you pausing before responding, pause and have that moment of stillness. Then become aware of your experience and feel it in your body and mind, during the pause and as your respond. Notice the shift in your emotions and thoughts. Remember, without a pause our reactions are automatic; to break an auto response, we need to press the “pause” button.
