The opposite of “Don’t just stand there! Do something”
We’re all so caught up with doing rather than being that it feels like a luxury to pause even for a moment. We are tuned to be on the move, running, mostly via the keyboard and watching our lives play out on various-sized screens. We forget to slow down. We have . . .
Decisions to make . . .
Places to go . . .
Things to do . . .
And the to-do list constantly grows with nary a sign of that day when you can actually heave a satisfied sigh of relief to have checked off everything. Not even close.
Yes, it is a competitive world out there and it is the survival of the quickest.
What if you took a moment to pause and listen to your inner dialog?
What if you took a moment to think?
Perhaps it can make a difference to whatever you do next.
Maybe thinking before taking action or responding to something could mean a better outcome.
But then, FOMO rears its ugly head.
What if you paused too long?
Would you be accused of procrastination?
Would you lose that opportunity?
Tough call to take, sometimes.
Perhaps how long you pause could be proportionate to how important the issue is.
Maybe you only need a split second to pause.
Maybe that pause can help you manage your emotions and hand you the solution you are looking for.
Here’s how I’ve worked in the pause into my life, to help me . . .
. . . slow down
- I sit comfortably, with a pad and pencil by my side.
- I minimize distractions.
- I turn off the volume on my phone.
- I breathe in and out deeply.
- This relaxes the mind and body.
- I reflect on a specific issue.
- Then I just sit still, listening to my inner dialog—about 5 or 10 minutes
- I enjoy the silence, patiently.
- I write down what comes to me.
This practice often opens up a new perspective on an existing issue.
Even if it doesn’t, it is a good feeling to just sit still and have a mini mental detox. It is refreshing. I end up being acutely conscious of the present moment and feel at peace.
Will you slow down a little and pause today?
How will you do it?
#WednesdayWisdom is a series with short bursts of easy-to-consume wisdom in the form of stories, quotes, anecdotes, and humor.
25 comments
Excellent advice. Excellent. I need to heed your advice.
Thank you dear Carol!
Vidya Sury recently posted…How heavy is this glass of water? #WednesdayWisdom
Thanks for your wonderful messages and reminders of how we can become distracted with our daily responsibilities and not able to sit and relax. It’s always on the go , on the go. As I contemplate on your words, I am also reminding myself to write down my thoughts and affirmation in my note book. This is my next journey this year and I will accomplish it.
Thanks for this reminder. I needed it today.
Taking a moment off, from anything, helps us renew our energies to get back to the grind. Loved this post, Vidya. I had been thinking on the same lines but my thoughts weren’t as clear or as well collected as this post. Thank you!
I will do it exactly as you tell me to 🙂
Finally, after years of struggling, I’ve learnt to slow down. I stop thinking of all the chores around and just sit down with a hot cup of tea and my thoughts. I am much calmer today, thanks to this.
Excellent advice. But then, when it comes from you nothing can never be not right.
Love!
Dear Madam, Really like your write-ups. Reminds us of many things we know, but forget to implement in our day-to-day life. Your writings are very simple and creates a bond with the readers.
Yes Vidya. It is true. It is something I do every once in a while. Especially when I get angry or cry due to the circumstances I create for myself. Crying and trying helps ease things for me. Breathing helps relax me a great deal. I have a great deal to follow especially under pressure. It is true that even a moment of pause does great help. However,some people consider that lazy. I am surprised when people work continuously without taking a break. I can never do that and really don’t want to do that either. When I read your posts, I always remember how simple life is. Thanks a lot.
Been doing this regularly for a while now, Vidya 🙂 So grateful for my bullet journal, my lack of notifications on the phone and my need to get to things when I get to them not when they call out to me 🙂
Such useful, soft and beautiful advice. No wonder you earned the best self-improvement blog award. So well deserved!
Thank you, Shailaja. It is good to disconnect to connect better!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Hospital visits, life-lessons and gratitude
This. This is exactly what I needed to read today. Just yesterday I was talking to my hubby about how I feel like I am constantly on the go, with not a single moment to spare. It almost feels like I am on a roller coaster that I can’t get off of. But you are right, we all need to take some time out for ourselves, even if it’s just to catch a deep calming breath.
Hugs! And maybe wear those cute pink headphones and curl up with a book? Do it Shantala.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Don’t just do something, Stand there! #WednesdayWisdom
Absolutely essential in todays frantic, constantly and instantly connected world. c
I have tried mindful meditation for 5 minutes but never tried with pen and paper, reflecting on a specific issue. I will try doing that and thank. It’s very important for all of us to slow down and take things easy.
It is true, Vishal. And life will only get more hectic if we let it. Do let me know how the pen-and-paper addition worked for you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Hospital visits, life-lessons and gratitude
Just what I needed to read. Have had a super busy day and I’ve been on my laptop since morning. And there is this wonderful light festival happening in the city which I had planned to attend but work kept me busy. Then I was having major FOMO. Time to sit down with a cup of tea, some jazz music and breathe in and out 🙂
Thanks for this lovely, warm post!
Awww, Aditi! I’ve been seeing photos of the light festival and they look gorgeous. Don’t put off these things. The regrets are awful!
Hugs–glad you decided to take a break with tea and jazz–great combo!
Vidya Sury recently posted…What I learned from trying to deal with a clogged drain
Such great tips in here, Vidya. Love the picture quote.
Thank you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…What I learned from trying to deal with a clogged drain
Love this Vidya, especially the Lily Tomlin quote. Yes i do slow down these days by writing, breathing meditation and walking and sitting on the beach, thank you great reminders.
This does sound like the most important thing to do on an everyday basis, Vidya. But, for me, it means I might lag behind! I have just begun on this journey, seriously; I have so much to learn, all the techniques to master to make it out there, and if I stop, pause to catch my breath, I stand to lose so much! The question that arises in my mind is, will I make it in the competitive world out there? So, if I were to take things easy even for some time, my fears do not let me bask in the peace! 🙁 I need to change this attitude, isn’t it? 🙂
Thank you for this post!
I used to take 10 minutes each morning to contemplate Vidya…but somehow it fell by the wayside. Though meditation is a regular practice in our house. It’s amazing how, no matter what the day has been, meditation always is a relaxing, peaceful experience. And we know that it has an accumulative affect on our body mind and spirit.
Love your tips.
So clever, witty, and wise. Love this advice and the unique twist on the old saying. I think I’ll take a mini mental detox as you describe today. I meditate every morning. I think that would be a great afternoon addition.
BTW – Do you do the artwork? Just gorgeous!
I love this, Vidya. I’m so with you on the importance of slowing down and listening to our inner voice / inner wisdom. I appreciate how you presented this so simply. Anyone can do this. You might be amazed by what you discover.