A client recently told me a story about a woman who had cancer and was receiving support from spiritual teacher Tara Brach. The woman's mantra was, 'I don't have time to rush.'
When I heard this mantra, it landed in my heart, and my body felt alive. I thought to myself, this is something we could all live by.
We often don't make changes until something drastic happens in our life, whether it is our health, relationships, or something that feels like it is completely falling apart. I know this firsthand; this is my story too.
We might be stressed, not fully satisfied or fulfilled, but we go along thinking, 'this is just the way it is.' When we live by this mentality, we are alive but not living.
I have compassion for suffering people who don't know how to stop or slow. I get it, having lived this way for years. I didn't change until my back was against a wall, and my anxiety worsened. I suffered for years and years. I didn't know how to stop or slow down until it became necessary.
The truth is, all we have is this moment and this breath. Beyond that, we don't know.
We live with grace when we honour the desire to slow down and take time to be.
We begin to feel and see the preciousness of our existence, breath, and life within and around us. In every moment, it is alive and ever-changing.
It is a life practice. It is a way of being in the world.
People often share that while they would love to practice mindfulness, they don't have time. Their life is already so busy, and the last thing they need is another task to check off their daily list. The common idea is that mindfulness will slow them down, and they will need more time in the day to get things done.
The truth is, practicing mindfulness doesn't take time out of our day. Funny enough, it can give us time back.
How?
Mindfulness means we are developing a present-moment awareness and practicing being here and now with acceptance. Realizing that each moment we breathe is a gift.
For instance, if I'm working and my mind constantly thinks, "I'm so stressed; I have so much on my plate. I'll never get it done." I probably won't get it done. I'm distracted. I am not in flow.
My approach is inefficient and creates stress in my mind and body. Also, when we are stressed, the executive functioning in our brain goes offline, so we lose the capacity to think clearly, creatively, and critically.
It is a paradox - We can get more done when we slow things down.
"Your entire life only happens in this moment. The present moment is life itself. Yet, people live as if the opposite were true and treat the present moment as a stepping stone to the next moment - a means to an end." - Eckhart Tolle
Being present with what we are doing is a different experience. We are living in a more embodied way. We are feeling our physicality and awakening our senses. We are present rather than on autopilot.
Our daily functioning becomes our spiritual path. It's not about getting something done but being present while we're doing it.
Where do we start?
Right here and how with the Power of the Pause.
At different times during the day, I pause and take a breath, even for a split second. I notice my breath, my body, and my surroundings.
The P.O.P. creates space for us to be here right now, to connect with our true essence and the immediacy of our experience.
We are coming home to ourselves with each breath. We are more focused, and when we live more in the now, our life becomes a meditation.
We still get everything done. The difference is it is more enjoyable. The moment becomes more meaningful. Our nervous system is more relaxed. We are more present.
So, it's not about cleaning the dishes but our experience of cleaning the dishes. The temperature of the water, our hands moving, the colours and shapes of the dishes, the sounds.
When we have our morning tea or coffee, we can pause and savour the flavour.
We are present.
The belief that we don't have time to slow down comes from an ego structure. It's the part that doesn't want us to slow down. As a result of conditioning, being busy equals being productive, and we are more valued if we are busy. Being busy is like a badge of honor for many.
Being mindful is a skill; like any skill, it takes practice. With consistency, we feel fulfillment, discovering who we are by being where we are with what we're doing.
Begin by setting the intention to pay attention. Keep it simple by choosing one thing to explore being present with this week.
Our schedule may be full – we can rush and be panicked and constantly focused on how much we have to do or slow down and practice being more present in the moment and in flow.
What feels better to you?
Life is precious. You are precious. Beyond this moment, there are no guarantees.
May you have the courage and love to explore the Power of the Pause and experience how slowing down and living in each moment is an incredible gift to ourselves and those around us.
Happy first day of Spring!
Diane