Pause Practice: Slowing Down

Pause practice,

Slowing down.

I'm glad you're practicing with me today.

When we have stressful days,

Most of us find ourselves in a state of high momentum,

Speeding along furiously in our minds or bodies or hearts.

This short pause practice can help you shift your momentum,

Giving your body,

Mind and heart a moment to rest and reset.

Let's begin.

You can do this practice sitting,

Standing,

Lying down or walking.

Begin with a few breaths,

Making your exhales a bit longer than your inhales.

If focusing on your breath is challenging for you,

Use your hands to notice the texture of your clothing or another object.

Notice sensations that you are experiencing.

Now,

Slow down,

Really,

Actually slow down with whatever you're doing.

This can be walking slower,

Eating slower,

Moving slower,

Breathing slower.

And see what this feels like in your body.

If you can,

Soften your muscles.

Let gravity pull you down into slowness.

What happens to your breath?

Has the speed of thoughts in your mind shifted?

Is there any shift even slight in the muscle tension in your face or shoulders?

Stay curious.

Invite yourself to do this pause practice every hour to help your body have an opportunity to shift and reset its momentum.

Thanks for practicing with me today.