Mindful Living: The Role of Intentional Pauses in Emotional Resilience
Human freedom involves our capacity to pause, to choose the one response toward which we wish to throw our weight — Rollow May
Take a moment to think about the experiences you've had during these fast-paced times. Some moments are joyful, others a bit sad, and some just plain frustrating. Consider the times you've been in arguments or felt really angry. What if, in those moments, you took a short break before reacting? How might that shift things?
Answers to this question will differ, but some might agree that taking a momentary pause could have eased the intensity of the confrontation.
In challenging times, our responses tend to be impulsive, influenced by heightened emotions that might cloud our judgment. It's important to realize that every reaction that we have in that moment is the best we can do. It’s a fine balance between reacting and responding to a situation.
Reaction - Actions that are are often immediate and instinctual, driven by emotions.
Response - Involve a more intentional and thoughtful processing of the situation before taking action.
What if we all took a moment to recalibrate ourselves before responding to the challenges that life throws at us? It grants us a brief respite to collect our thoughts before erupting into a fiery reaction. Granted, it's easier said than done, but there are practical ways to remove yourself from the heat of the moment when faced with frustration.
Here are a couple of techniques shared by Kamlesh Patel, affectionally known as Daaji - the president of the Heartfulness Institute, in 2019 during a workshop on Heartfulness, aimed at navigating turbulent emotions:
Excuse yourself: Step away from the situation for two minutes. Take a deep, calming breath. Inhale from your left nostril and exhale from your right, repeating the process 6–8 times.
Cool down physically: If anger is making you feel heated, counteract it by drinking a cold glass of water to break that heat.
Adjust your physical posture: Unclench your jaw, and fists, and drop your shoulders.
In the whirlwind of change and emotion, these simple yet effective techniques can be powerful tools. For those interested in exploring the Heartfulness Practice further, you can find more information on their website: Heartfulness Website.
Choosing to take this intentional pause not only provides us with a clearer perspective on the matter at hand but also aids in cultivating a more serene internal state. This shift in approach positively affects our external relationships, promoting healthier connections and enhancing communication effectiveness. Thoughtful responses empower us as architects of our emotional well-being, actively contributing to the construction of a more compassionate and understanding world.
