Just pause

Pausepillow 72 smallA few years back I brought back this little pillow from Germany for my daughter who was in medical school at the time.

Actually Pause (pronounce the e like an a) in German means a break during work or school. It brings to mind the 20 minute Pause we had in school to eat our Pausebrot– often a cheese or salami sandwich. On a cool day in November like today, I would have been eating it in the school yard with my wool gloves on.

Just pause

But I want to talk about pausing here. Usually after the end bells for my mediation ring, I dip a tiny bit deeper into calmness, a suspended moment. Just pause for a moment. Breathe out… Ah…

Catching the moment after an exciting, joyful and uplifting event– instead of whooping or clapping, and before moving on to the next thing– take a breath or even a few– that pause makes the experience even better. It is such a precious gift. Following the advice by Rick Hanson, if we prolong this moment, consciously identify and experience what we are feeling, and then store this visceral memory away, it can become a resource against a cold day. And we build the capacity for more joy in the process.

The way I practice yoga gives me many places to pause. I have a number of limitations that I honor and work with. So during a yoga session I often do one less strenuous pose and choose a resting pose instead: not just child’s pose, but sitting back on my heals or standing in mountain are two of my favorite ways to let the practice sink in deeply. This pause allows me to feel my whole body, as it fills with relaxation and expands into contentment. I then join the class in the next pose or vinyasa. What a way to practice and to live.

I know people, women in particular, who do not allow themselves any breaks, or even pauses in their admittedly amazingly engaged lives. Yet there are many places in your day where you can pause consciously. Even being aware of the moment between the in and the out breath, and allowing it to momentarily relax you, can make a huge difference. Decreasing tension and stress this way, many times throughout the day, will allow you to unwind, relax and sleep better at night.

Consider this: the pauses in your busy day may turn out to be your most important activities.