PAUSE
In our part of the country spring has not yet sprung. However, by name we are in springtime. Springtime is a time of renewal and rebirth. This weekend I am headed off to a conference of refreshment. It’s time to refuel. All this jargon comes down to the need for regeneration, or taking a “pause” from our strenuous schedules and timetables to think about ourselves. I gave someone recently the “permission” to love, adore and care take of themselves. They felt selfish and proud to allow those feelings to enter their minds. It’s. O. Kay. As conscientious adults, we’re always going to tend toward guilt and shame, but the reality is we do need to take care of ourselves to care for others. Sometimes we do need to take time to ourselves, knowing we’re going to come back refreshed. It comes back to choice: everyone needs that self-care. You can feel guilty [about taking time for yourself] but it’s a waste of emotional energy and unwarranted. It takes self-compassion to say what’s best for us right now so we can serve ourselves, because we can’t take care of anyone else until we serve ourselves. Let GUILT and SHAME be loosed! A PAUSE is an intentional shift in behavior. On a daily basis, we go through the motions; we’re on autopilot. Pausing, or intentionally shifting your behavior, appears counter-intuitive. We often resist pausing to avoid falling behind or looking like a slacker. Instead, consider pausing to enhance creativity or needed downtime, even if it’s for a few minutes. Daily pauses are a great way to connect and spend time being fully present to both yourself and other members you interact with on a daily basis. Pausing is easy, simple, and best of all, costs nothing! Intention creates some conscious awareness, to lift your head up, take a breath and repeat a mantra: “This too shall pass”; “God gives me strength to get through each moment”; “I can do this”; “I am more than a conqueror.” If I could depart to everyone who I come in contact a simple therapeutic tool, it would be to pause and BREATHE. Stop what you’re doing. Sit or stand with both feet firmly on the ground and close your eyes. Put one hand on your stomach and slowly inhale until you feel your stomach extend; hold your breath and slowly exhale. Count each exhale until you get to 10. Mindfulness Exercise. Stop what you are doing and go through all five senses one by one. Ask yourself, “What do you see. What do you hear. What do you smell. What do you taste. What do you feel.” Take notice of what you are experiencing both within you and around you. Gratitude Pause. Express gratitude for at least one thing every day. Build your list up to ten things throughout the day, or set a timer for a minute and be thankful for everything that comes to your mind… the good, the bad, AND the ugly! Deciding to take a daily pause is an act of courage and kindness to yourself. Give yourself the permission to pause and intentionally shift your behavior to practice some self-care, replenish your energy reserves, and invigorate your life. Pause to reflect. Pause to feel progress. Pause to create. Pause to think. Pause to thank God for your blessings. And I'll join you.
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AuthorI am a wife, mother, and grandmother. Late in life I decided to go back to school to become a professional counselor. I have achieved that dream, and am open for business. Archives
August 2019
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