Pursuing The Art Of Pausing
I’m in a season where I am pursuing the art of pausing. What do I mean by that? Well…
The definition of pause is “to stop temporarily” (1). Taking a break from the current program. Being still for a moment. There are so many things vying for my time and attention, and mostly from “a magical device that silently shouts [my] name at [my] brain…” aka my phone. Over this specific lockdown, I have used scrolling on social media to find out quickly how people are doing and also to keep tabs on the world. Unbeknownst to me, I was rebuilding a habit which I had worked so hard to keep at bay – spending hours, and I mean HOURS, on my phone. On top of that, it has been a means of escape from the reality of my internal world, and therefore not allowing myself to be present.
From some of my previous posts (here and here), I started putting actions in place to help me stop since our church went through The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer together:
No Social Media Friday,
Setting 10 minutes aside after work to decompress and move onto my evening,
Having a designated “Me day”.
I definitely let some of them slip from time to time but I never forget about their importance, as well as the clarity of mind built as I continue to do these things.
As well as reading The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, I also read Ruth Haley Barton’s Invitation to Solitude and Silence and 5 Gears – How to be Present and Productive When There is Never Enough Time by Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram, which both completely reinforce the importance for pausing. Pausing gives “rest for the mind”, “rest for the body” and “rest for the soul” (2). In some of these designated times, we must allow ourselves space to tend to how we are ACTUALLY doing. If we are unable to do that, we do a disservice to ourselves, and to others around us. If we don’t acknowledge and sort out what is happening in the depths of our being, it will eventually leak out into everything we do. Preaching to myself here too.
Rest means beginning letting go of the damaging thoughts and tendencies we hold onto for dear life because they feel comfortable. Being able to release them releases weight off our own backs and a lightness that can drive us forward in better relationships, work ethic, etc.
““What if you took one day and designated it to be a complete recharge in the same way that you recharge your phone. One hundred per cent is your goal… Taking the time for rest is key, but it must be the right rest for you.” ”
To allow more time to be still, I’m refreshing my rhythms. As well as those previously mentioned, I am:
Turning 10 mins after work to walks
I’ve done this a few of times and it’s actually been a great help. I pack my desk down, head out and when I come back, I can relax into my evening. A great tip from someone in my church small group.
Monthly “No screen day”
This I have done twice – once last month and again yesterday actually and I found it very beneficial. I didn’t feel glued to my phone or laptop. I could just go about my day, taking time to read, etc. AND it was much easier than I anticipated.
Monthly retreat day
I am thankful for the previous retreat experiences, as well as the advice from “Invitation to Solitude and Silence” to help me shape these days. My retreats will range from making time to take stock of how I am, allowing God into that space, to stillness at home or out on a walk. Maybe have a nap or two (naps are biblical. Ask Elijah 😂)
I’ve added some reflection questions below, and really hope this post was of help to at least one person. I would also recommend the books I have mentioned as sources of inspiration and encouragement.
Also… super happy belated new year to those who don’t follow Pursue:Inspire on Instagram! Praying for a better year in 2021!
How do you rest / reenergize?
Do you have times of pause scheduled into your week / month?
Has the thought of “stopping” ever crossed your mind? If not, why not write down a list of everything that brings you joy and gives you life and see how you can incorporate some of them more in your week/month?
SOURCES
(1) Merriam Webster Dictionary
(2) Chapter titles in Invitation to Solitude and Silence – Ruth Haley Barton
📷 - Rohan G, Unsplash
