The Power of R.E.S.T: Embracing the Small Pause in Today’s World

The world moves fast. I've seen it develop into a whirlwind of constant connectivity that requires rapid-fire decisions just to keep the basics of life going in the right direction. Uncertainty, volatility, and conversations rooted in lack seem to have become the norm.

As you look around, you see folks tethered to their screens, creating the illusion of an expanded world full of 'connection' when all they are connected to is the small screen in front of them. Engineers who understand human nervous systems create algorithms that silently work in the background to keep your dopamine hits flowing and create addictions and disconnect. There is an app for everything, and we are being corralled into using them for even basic daily tasks.

First, I want you to know that it is not your fault if you have fallen into the trap. You have been captured intentionally and most likely without your awareness. It happened slowly over time.

Given the state of the modern world, I encourage you to take a drastic step that might initially feel uncomfortable.

In the words below, I will lay out an easy-to-follow set of insights to help you regain control. The benefits of doing so will be very personal. Still, I have seen folks I have worked with improve their relationships, increase their sense of well-being, feel more connected to what they are doing, and achieve goals they thought were impossible just by embracing a pause.

Let's get into it!

The Small Pause: A Radical Act of Self-Care

Our culture seems to glorify busyness and productivity, leading us to overlook the power of the small pause. But what if I told you that this pause, often misconstrued as inaction, could be the key to unlocking new possibilities and outcomes that ultimately free you from your cage?

Let's explore a powerful framework I call R.E.S.T—a guide to help you harness the transformative power of the pause.

R - Rise Above

Picture this: You're in a stressful situation, deadlines looming, emails piling up, and relationship challenges around you. Now, imagine stepping back and viewing it all from above. That's what 'Rising Above' is all about.

Gaining this high-flying perspective can help us see the bigger picture and make more informed decisions. It's not about escaping reality but about seeing it more clearly. When we look at the world through the eyes of overwhelm, fear, or anger, our world seems overwhelming, a fearful place with lots to be angry about.

Quick Tip: Find your "perspective spot" - a place where you can physically go to gain a broader view. It could be a hilltop, a quiet corner in a park, or even just standing by a window and looking at the horizon. Imagine yourself rising above the circumstances that are activating you. What do you see? Do your best to look at these challenges objectively using the five senses. What do you see? (e.g. I move from the door towards the car) What do you smell? (e.g. I smell the scent of grass) What do you hear? (e.g. I hear the washing machine swirling in the background) What do you feel? (e.g. I feel the cool breeze on my face)

By exploring yourself through these five senses, you will quickly connect with your body, which is the source of immense wisdom and insight.

E - Embrace Freedom

In the space of a pause, we open ourselves to possibilities we might have overlooked in the rush of the moment. It is important to know you are a free being who can make choices that feel good to you. When you take on the responsibility of embracing your freedom, your power center will increase, and you will instinctively move towards this goal.

Remember, even in the most challenging situations, we always have a choice in how we respond. It might not be an easy choice, but it's behind the autopilot responses that cloud the moment and make it hard to see.

Try This: Next time you're faced with a decision, take three deep breaths. In that pause, ask yourself: "What choices do I have right now?" You might be surprised at the options that reveal themselves.

And if there seem to be no choices available, the best option is to take a small pause and breathe.

S - Stay Focused and Stand Tall

Resilience isn't about never falling but about how we get back up and recover. Taking resilience one step further is how we prepare for and lean into our next challenge. Staying focused means knowing when to take a step back to move forward more effectively.

I once worked with a client struggling with a major career decision. She felt pressured to make a choice immediately. We practiced the small pause technique, and in that space, she realized she needed more information before deciding. By standing tall in her right to take time, she ultimately made a choice that aligned perfectly with her values and goals.

Resilience Booster: Create your own "resilience mantra" - a short, powerful phrase you can repeat during challenging times. Mine is "I am grounded, I am growing."

T - Trust

Trust is the most profound aspect of the small pause. When we trust in the process, we open ourselves up to growth and learning.

Every challenge I've faced has taught me something valuable. Even the experiences that felt like failures at the time led to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. As we learn to trust the process we are in and not put ourselves in the 'victim' role—meaning that life is happening to us, not that we are happening to our lives—we begin to see that every situation is, in some way, created just for us so that we may achieve our own version of greatness.

Growth Exercise: Start keeping a "lessons learned" journal. After each challenging situation, take a small pause to reflect and write down what you've learned. Over time, this practice builds trust in your journey.

Putting R.E.S.T. into Practice

Now that we've explored the components of R.E.S.T., let's talk about how to incorporate this practice into your daily life.

The One-Minute Pause Challenge

I invite you to join me in a simple yet powerful exercise: The One-Minute Pause. Here's how it works:

1. Set aside one minute each day for a deliberate pause.

2. During this time, practice the R.E.S.T. principles:

   • Rise Above: Take a few deep breaths and imagine viewing your current situation from above.

   • Embrace Freedom: Ask yourself what choices you have in this moment.

   • Stay Focused and Stand Tall: Repeat your resilience mantra.

   • Trust: Reflect on a past challenge and the growth it brought.

Remember, embracing the small pause is not about inaction but about intentional action. It's about creating space for clarity, wisdom, and growth to flow through you. By incorporating these small pauses into our lives on a daily basis, we're not just being kind to ourselves but also to those around us. We become more present, more responsive rather than reactive, and more aligned with our truest version of ourselves.

Your Journey Begins Now

As you step away from this blog post, I encourage you to carry the spirit of R.E.S.T. Notice the opportunities for small pauses in your day. They're everywhere, waiting to be embraced.

Your adventure in exploring the power of the small pause starts now—enjoy! And remember, in the pause, anything is possible.

What small pause will you take today? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Let's create a community of pause-takers supporting each other in this transformative practice.

Until next time, may your pauses be plentiful and your growth abundant!