There is a quiet strength that comes from learning to pause. The pace of life keeps asking for more, leaving little room to simply stop and breathe. Yet I have learned that stillness is not a luxury. Stillness is a necessity. When I slow down, I begin to notice the rhythm of my breath, the warmth of my tea or coffee, and the gentle light shifting through the window. These are the moments that remind me I am present, alive, and enough. Amen!
I used to believe that productivity and the constant “busy” defined my purpose. The long lists, the non-stop rushing, always on the go, but in truth, I was missing what mattered most. A pause is not about stopping life, a pause is about truly living in the moment. In the space between tasks and noise, something beautiful begins to happen when we rest our mind and racing thoughts. The mind softens, the body relaxes, and the heart opens just a little wider to accept some extra love.
Pausing looks different for everyone or at any moment. Sometimes it means setting my phone aside and listening to the sound of my own breath or classical music. Other times it is the few minutes of solo space before my family wakes or a short meditation with coffee in hand. And sometimes, it is a morning walk while embracing nature and watching the wildlife living in their world. These small acts have become sacred. They remind me that peace does not arrive from external validation, rather peace begins from within and the actions I take.
The beauty of pausing requires very little. No equipment, no schedule and no fancy yoga studio. The only thing needed is intention and purpose. A few deep breaths between meetings or before you get out of bed can do wonders. A walk outside after dinner or sitting in silence while the sunlight fades allows the body to rest. Each pause gives the mind, body and soul the nourishment it needs.
Life moves faster the older we get thus, we must give ourselves permission to pause. When we do, the noise feels softer, the chaos feels lighter, and our perspective shifts. A few minutes of stillness (with lavender oil) can carry an entire day. Taking a pause is also a thoughtful practice to share with the family. This encourages each person to rest, reflect and reconnect and one.
The practice of taking a mindful pause guides us to feel everything, to listen, to breathe, and to just be. In those quiet moments, the mind and body remember what balance feels like, even if for just a few minutes. Stillness becomes the quiet strength we desperately need. Each pause, no matter how small, becomes an act of renewal. As we look to a new year, re-discover simple ways to incorporate mindful breathing and pauses into your day.
Mindfully curated by Debra Gudema for Well&Co.
📸: Max van den Oetelaar/Unsplash