Pausing Forward

I awoke Monday morning feeling distraught. I honestly can’t remember why. It could have been the shock I sometimes feel leaving the fun of a weekend behind as I move into the work of the week. Or perhaps my emotions were triggered by a dream. Whatever the reason, I was not happy.

Rather than trying to force myself forward, I paused and asked myself “what do I need now?” I needed a cup of tea.

As my tea was brewing, I went to my bookshelf and pulled down “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. A dear friend introduced me to his writing years ago and seeing the book on the shelf reminded me of the comfort I feel in her presence.

As I sat down on my couch I noticed the morning light pouring through the window. I took a sip of tea and began reading. By the time I reached the bottom of the first page tears started flowing and I felt something inside me begin to shift.

After pausing for just 5 minutes, my view began to clear and I felt hopeful again. When I began my work on Monday morning I felt ready and willing.

There is something very powerful about a pause.

We’re always trying to hurry ourselves forward when we would really benefit from slowing ourselves present so that we can move forward whole heartedly.

I often get up from dinner and quickly begin washing my dishes. It’s like a race to the finish line to get my kitchen cleaned.

Invariably during the process I notice that my hands are in warm sudsy water and I pause to enjoy the feeling. I notice where I am.

Feeling the suds helps me slow down for a few moments and I acknowledge the lovely dinner I’ve just shared with my family and calmly think about what’s ahead.

When I work with my clients to create practices that lead them toward their dreams it’s really all about the pausing.

This week I had a Reflection Session with a client who had a beautiful ceremony for herself this summer. In our session, we reflected back on the gems of creating and performing her ceremony. There were so many!

Together we distilled the essence of the change she experienced into a very simple practice. Now whenever she is in need she can pause and perform her practice and she will be able to access her own inner strength.

Pausing in times of transition will have a huge impact on your life.

Take a deep breath.

Or ask yourself “what do I need now?”

Or take a moment to notice where you are.

Create a practice that you can rely on.

When you have a busy day and you find yourself exhausted as you get into bed, light a candle. When you turn your light out pause for a moment in the candlelight and then let go into a peaceful sleep.

When you’re rushing to get somewhere on time pause and say to yourself “I’ll get there as soon as I get there!” Then loosen your grip on the steering wheel and relax into the journey.

Next time it feels as though you are forcing yourself forward. Pause.

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