Taking Pauses - A Personal Experience: MindsetOpediaDMHC Blogs

Taking Pauses - A Personal Experience

By : Archie Kohli | Council Member (WICCIDMHC)

For a long time now, I’ve started taking pauses in life. To be more concrete, I’ve started to return to the present in that brief pause I take. So what is this pause, one might ask? Taking pause is a phrase use to describe a habit where whatever you’re doing or wherever you’re lost in thought, you take a slight break and come to the present moment. The present moment can also be said as coming back to consciousness when we become aware of what we are doing or thinking.

Often I found myself lost in thought for half hour or so when I realised that I’ve been wandering for a very long time. That is when I decided to start taking pauses before I lose myself in thought. The importance of taking these brief pauses can affect deeply in our lifestyle, as I’ve experienced. 

Now how to take these pauses?, is a relevant question. This can be done in various ways. The most effective way that has worked for me is focusing on my breath. Whenever I take a pause I focus on my breath. I slowly experience my each inhale and exhale which even makes me calm. Many research in positive psychology also claims that concentrating on breath is a form of meditation which often leads to experience of serenity.

Another way to take pause is walking. A one-minute walk can reboot the entire physical system and even help your concentration. This would work better if you can walk in any open space. I prefer to walk in my garden whenever I want to take a pause. Lastly, I’ve also experienced calmness in listening to music while taking a pause. Music therapy posits that music has the power to stabilise a hyper mind and bring one back to the present moment. I try to listen to soft and soothing music while taking a pause. 

The power of taking pauses is limitless, as it drives a person to act consciously and not compulsively. In my experience and opinion, taking brief pauses will not only help you to focus on the present moment but also improve your life perspective, emotional well-being and concentration in whatever you do. Try and experience it!