Pause

As I am filled with gratitude for the weekend interlude that enabled me to spend time just relaxing, I am even more grateful for this week, when I am enjoying the company of my son before he starts college next week.

I am taking the time to pause in a world that is rushing by.

What a luxury to sit together and plan a leisurely day when we tackle some clearing up and have nothing more pressing than the lunch we’re going to share, the books we’ll read together, and the movie we’ll watch, followed by a walk in the drizzle on the terrace, and dinner.

No, no act now, think later this week. No involuntary reactions in response to a hectic schedule. No pressing deadlines, no decisions to make.

This week, I am taking time to slow down and pause. I am listening to myself. I am focusing on every present moment.

No fast-forwards.

But yes, a little rewind is in order. And a lot of unwind.

As we clear the clutter at home amid jokes, laughter and reminiscences of another day, we are taking time to celebrate the little things.

• The way the cream refused to peak and how, in our enthusiasm to get it right, we liquefied it completely. Didn’t know it had to be ice cold to whip! Yes, I’ll have my revenge because it tastes best when it is cold. Even if it is just whipping the cream!
• Getting the chocolate mousse just right
• Watching my son enjoy slices of mango
• Reading a couple of children’s books and giggling at the humor
• The joy on my son’s face and voice after talking to the author of a book he covets
• Opening the shoe cupboard to see neat rows and feeling the fragrance of fresheners even as we feel happy about giving away three bags full of shoes
• Enjoying the fragrance of jasmine flowers on our altar
• Giving away toys and making a list of prospective children to be the recipients of more

I have to admit that pausing feels rather perfect at this time.

At some point I must make sure I don’t get too used to it as it can easily turn into procrastination. I must be conscious about keeping the balance.

One of the greatest things about pausing is creating that space in our minds to take stock and perhaps creating the environment to find solutions to issues we might be facing. Sometimes, even a really tough situation seems to be waiting for us to calm down, as if the haze that blocked our vision prevented it from resolving itself.

Here’s an exercise that I find useful, that I am teaching my son right now:

• Sit in my favorite spot with a book and pencil
• Minimize distractions
• Practice deep breathing to relax (Or have a cup of coffee)
• Focus on just one thing
• Reflect for 15 minutes
• Make a T chart (divide the page into two parts by drawing a line down the middle so I can write the positives on the right and the not-so-great on the left, just like the debit/credit system)

This brings clarity and new perspective.

Do you pause once in a while?

Take the time off to reflect? Smell the roses?

What’s your ritual? Please share it with me in the comments!