From One Professional to Another: PAUSE
In the midst of chaos… PAUSE. From the moment we wake up, we are busy thinking and doing. From the 8-hour workday filled with back-to-back meetings to caring for our children, both men and women are juggling daily multitasking chaos. No wonder we feel stressed, frenzied, and burnt-out. We wear ourselves out, filling the day with tasks that seem urgent—or else.
What I want you to hear today is not to drop all responsibility (though that’s an option too). Right now, adopt some life-giving power through stillness: I ask you to PAUSE.
How to Begin PAUSING
Today, try this once. Tomorrow, try it twice. Then press repeat. Create a moment of silence between your actions and the present moment. Stop for just a few seconds and take three big breaths. Become aware of your breath and how it feels entering and leaving your lungs. It might feel uncomfortable—even for the seasoned yogi—because stillness forces us to be fully with ourselves when our mind and body want to escape. And that’s exactly why it’s so beneficial.
The deeper the breaths, the greater the health benefits.
Pause before getting out of bed and find one thing to be grateful for before starting your busy day.
Pause before leaving the house and be fully present when you kiss each family member goodbye.
Pause before stepping into the office and set an intention for the day, such as:
“I will smile at each co-worker today, even the one who never smiles back,” or
“I will be mindful of how I treat the employee who tugs my nerves.”
Pause before checking Facebook every 30 minutes and ask yourself, “What am I really looking for?”
Pause before eating dinner and express gratitude for the food that nourishes you.
Pause before reprimanding your children—find compassion and understanding in their actions.
Pause before answering the phone and smile. It will reflect in your tone.
Pause, breathe, and become present to the chaos. It’s not chaos; it’s life—messy and full, but beautiful when you are fully present for it.
Why PAUSE?
When you pause, you become fully aware of your current actions and thoughts and how they impact your happiness. Ask yourself if you are creating a positive or negative effect for yourself and the world. Pausing may feel uncomfortable at first because we’ve developed habits that keep our minds running at full speed. But when you consciously clear the mental clutter, positive emotions—like love, gratitude, and compassion—emerge. These emotions are often buried under the constant mental noise.
With practice and mindfulness, pausing becomes easier, and the benefits are enormous. You will begin to see positive changes in yourself and your interactions with others.
Get Started: It’s Simple
In whatever you are doing, pause and take three conscious breaths. Over time, your body will come to welcome this habit with warmth. That warmth opens your heart and will begin to reflect in your actions toward others and the world.
Try it today. Practice it tomorrow. The world will reap the benefits.
