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Pause. What's that? You ask. It's a word that gets tossed around a lot, but what does it mean, exactly? Pause.
It's a strategic, often tactical moment within a moment and a recognizable unit of time. It's a mental break from the hectic activities of our daily lives. It's a chance to assess what we're doing and where we are. It's an opportunity to take stock of our surroundings, look forward, and plan our next moves. It's a superpower. So, pause. What is it?
Presence
You cannot be present in a chaotic and hectic state. Be present. Be here. The more we are in the moment, the more we can be aware of what we are doing, how we feel, and where we are. Being present brings the full power of our concentration, attention, and awareness to the here and now.
It's about focusing on the activities in front of us and the sensations in our bodies. It's about not thinking about the past or the future. It's about not being distracted by ideas, plans, other people, or other responsibilities.
Presence is about not worrying about what other people might think of us. It's about not worrying about what we might not be able to do. It's about being comfortable with who we are and where we are right now.
Using the superpower of presence, we embrace the creator that lives inside all of us.
The ability to notice
The more we notice, the more we can see, and the more we can do. It's a simple concept in the grand scheme of things, but it's incredible how many people miss this opportunity in their daily lives.
Most people desire to be more productive and successful, but we will not get there if we aren't paying attention. The pause invites us to be aware of what we are doing to become willing to release what no longer serves us. The willingness to notice and release creates space for the actions and ideas to get us closer to what we want.
If we're too focused on our tasks and getting things done, we won't realize that we could be missing out on opportunities to learn something new, meet new people, or have a little fun. We can see opportunities that we might otherwise miss by being more aware.
Power of observation
Observation is the first step toward personal leadership and is also a superpower that lives inside the pause. Observing ourselves and our relationships with people, places, and things in a non-judgemental way creates a closer glimpse of the truth in our lives. A reality that lives behind the stories and narratives that control so many people's lives.
If we can observe how we do it and why we do it, we won't miss out on things happening right here and now. By observing others and what they are doing, we can begin to see where our strengths and weaknesses lie and how we can improve ourselves. We can begin to see how our actions shape the people around us and how they might be reacting or not reacting to us.
This superpower opens up the doorway to genuine curiosity and play in a way that helps us let go of expectations. There is power in this type of observation and an immense amount of learning.
Deep listening
Listening is one of the most important aspects of a relationship. It is how we connect with others, build trust, and create connections that last.
Deep listening is a skill that gets taken for granted until one does not feel heard. When we are listening deeply, we are open and receptive to the other person's words, feelings, and needs. We are also showing that we care. Care is the birthplace of love.
Self-regulation
How can self-regulation be a superpower? Imagine chaos is swirling all around you, and inside, you are calm and relaxed. Your email inbox is overflowing, your to-do list is long, and you are still grounded and centred in your body.
Self-regulation is the ability to look after your emotional needs. Distraction is reached an epidemic proportion with the internet, shopping, advertising, and only God knows what else is a mere click away to soothe you, but it is only temporary.
When you live inside the pause, you can tap into the superpower of self-regulation and do your emotional first aid. Maybe it is unplugging and going for a walk, calling a friend, or reaching out to your coach or therapist. The gist of it is that you choose an option that is healthy for you and improves your life.
Living Inside the Pause
It takes great courage and willingness to live inside the pause, and the more you practice, the more you will see these superpowers emerge in your life.
If you are thinking, "I don't have time for that, " right out of the gate," it is the perfect time to pause and take a breath. Take a moment to notice what is happening around you and how you are holding onto the story of "I don't have time." And by doing that, for just one moment, you have begun to experience the 'Pause.'
The pause is like a muscle that needs exercise; the more you practice, the stronger your ability to tap into its superpowers will get.
Dave is a Leadership, Life Coach and Equine Guided Facilitator living in Steveston, B.C., Canada. Dave has experience with individuals that feel stressed out and exhausted and know that they want something different.
In 2017, Dave left a career as a Senior Manager at a large Local Government organization to start Small Pause Coaching & Consulting. His philosophy about taking a pause and inviting in a new conversation, a deeper conversation, has supported hundreds of individuals and organizational clients.
He is a Certified HeartMath® Coach & Mentor, a trained Equine Guided Learning Facilitator and a Certified Coach with the ICF. Dave took his coaches training at the Newfield Network in Boulder, Colorado.
You can learn more about his work at www.smallpausecoach.com or look him up on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.
Dave also expresses his creativity through the Small Pause Shop, where he designs apparel that supports living life 'inside the pause.'