Try
Pausing
“Try
pausing right before and right after undertaking a new action, even
something simple like putting a key in a lock to open a door. Such
pauses take a brief moment, yet they have the effect of decompressing
time and centering you.”
Br. David
Steindl-Rast (Spreading Gratitude Rocks Website)
Try pausing...something
we don't do very often. I know so many exhausted people who never
stop, never take time to simply be. Maybe we can't devote half an
hour to rest in the middle of the day, but we could put this simple
mindfulness practice to use—just pause, catch up with yourself,
before beginning the next task. Take a breath, and exhale—just for that
moment, bring focus to the breath. Slowing down enough to
inhale and exhale with awareness—a mini-break in the midst of a
hectic day.
To expand this tiny rest,
think of one thing you are grateful for as you inhale, and give
thanks as you exhale. It's easy in our crazy world to focus on the
negative, but taking just this moment to entertain a positive
thought, a grateful thought, gives our stressed out brains a break.
Where I am, in Alabama,
the birds are already getting up early to sing for a mate. They are
beginning the age-old rite of courting, mating, and nest building.
They have put on their brightest plumage, and practiced their best
songs, and they are ready for spring. I saw a downy woodpecker on the
suet feeder yesterday—his topknot bright red, and bars of black and
white across his wings. What a sight! For that I am grateful. I'll
bet you have no problem finding things to be grateful for either.
Today, try taking a
gratitude break. Just that inhale and exhale, just a second to
remember that even though the traffic is awful, and the weather is
terrible, and you're already behind though the week has just begun,
there are so many things to be grateful for. And give thanks.
In the Spirit,
Jane
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