How to Continue Pause in Your Everyday Life

These past few months all of us are experiencing a shift in lifestyle. Many of us are working from home and have an abundance of stillness. This pause is a true gift - the space between is a powerful one that holds a lot of potential. I’ve experienced this shift myself, my mindset has shifted and so has my work. Usually, I’m planning my workshops months in advance and am running from one class or meeting to the next. In a way, this felt good to “hustle” and “earn” the reward of rest at the end of the day or the weekend (if I had a free weekend). Since I started my business, I’ve been dismantling the pressure I’ve internalized from busy culture. It’s a huge change especially when society and the people around you are living their lives according to busy culture.

Typically we can experience pressure from society to hustle, have a full calendar, and we feel important when we’re “busy”. These feelings are valid, I admit to buying in to busy culture - I would get a rush of excitement when my calendar was full, but I still don’t like using the word “busy”. To me - there is a big difference between productivity and “keeping busy” - productivity is about working towards something, being creative, and working in the flow. Busy always felt like a facade - a way to prove to other people that we’re important.

Now, during this time of stillness, I’ve been able to turn inward more than ever. This internal work has helped me be more mindful of my energy levels, empowered me to listen to my inner voice, and create more space for pause. I rest when it feels good and I create when I’m feeling inspired - this collective pause has helped me give myself permission to just be.

Once we start interacting with the outside world in person, attending events, going to the office etc. how can we bring this cultural shift of mindful pause with us? I encourage you to take note of your energy levels throughout the week and the day, honor and respect your inner voice and practice self-compassion.