Pause, and Let It Be Enough.

How often do we pause?

Like, really pause, and let that ‘pause’ be ok?

Not earned. Not heavy. Not rushed. Not anxious. Not guilt-ridden.

Just space.

Peace. Rest. Presence.

A question I always run through my head is, “How can I be more productive?”

If I’m tired, rather than really resting, recharging or just pausing for 15-20 minutes, I think, “ok, how can I rest and take it easy WHILE being productive?”

In other words, what things on my to-do list for work or life can be done from the sofa?

🤪

If I get everything on my list done, I look for more, rather than letting it be enough.

Letting myself, my actions (and inactions), be enough each day.

I’m reminded of an affirmation I used to say to Buster and Rosie (the sweet cockatiels I had when I lived in Spain) every night as I put them to bed.

“You are so loved. You are so lovable. You are enough. You do enough and you’re perfect the way you are.”

Maybe you need to hear that, too.

I know I do.

As chaos continues to swirl - and it will - it’s more important than ever to come back to ourselves, our center, our core, our anchors. To remain steady amidst the noise that’s designed to pull us from our center and light.

We must find that peace within ourselves and in our own world - it’s available to us, we just have to choose it. And allow it to exist, even in the smallest of ways.

So, amidst the “to-do list” that somehow always gets more priority than 15 minutes of pause and breath, we must choose those small moments of peace and presence within our own being - mind, body and soul.

I’m always amazed at what 15-minutes of a pause can do, or how a short walk outside will breathe life into your body. How easing into an activity done purely for the sake of enjoyment - and nothing else - will revive a jumbled mind.

I’ve been saying this for a few years now, but we, as a collective, are going to “go backwards” to move forward.

By backwards, I mean:

Slower-paced living.

Less screen time and more social connection.

More cooking. More gardening and growing food.

More community-based activities and gatherings. Getting to know your neighbors.

Tea over wine.

Arts and crafts over 7-second “POV” videos.

Nature-based remedies and medicines. Turning to the healing expertise of our friends, neighbors and elders.

Prioritizing family (biological and/or chosen), community and home.

In a world that seems like it’s “spinning out,” it’s our job to remain steady, sovereign, discerning.

To prioritize our health and well-being, and that of our loved ones and community.

It sounds nice. It’s easy to envision. And it’s available to call in. But the challenging part is actually embodying it.

Allowing your nervous system to actually feel safe with this new pace. To regulate within this new pace. To fully receive this new rhythm.

But it begins with a pause.

Even if that pause is simply a deep inhale and exhale. Even if that pause is a moment where you unclench your hands from the “steering wheel of life” and bring focus and awareness back to your center. Your spirit. Your soul.

Pause. And let it be ok.

Your to-do list won’t go anywhere. Unless you decide to light it on fire 💅🏻