The Self-Care Mindset

CHAPTER 2Power‐Pausing

“Imagine if we would pause more, what could change?”

We live in a culture where we squeeze every minute out of everything we do. We eat while working, drink coffee on the go, answer text messages in meetings, and check email while we're working on different tasks. The demand for our attention is under a constant barrage. Each day we fall further behind schedule with our never‐ending to‐do lists.

Despite the constant connection, we've become disconnected from ourselves. And even though we have access to all the information we need to feel better, we're just as lost and confused about how to take better care of our minds and bodies, not trusting ourselves to know what we need.

But when's the last time you had a good chat with yourself? I mean a really good chat, a kind and curious one? Where you paused for just a moment and checked in with your body? Your emotions? Mind? Soul? When was the last time you paused and considered what's going on inside and you asked yourself, “How am I doing in there?”

My guess is it's been a long time because of the new reality we live in and let's face it, most people have not been taught to do so, ever. If you're like most people, you crave more time for yourself, want to feel less stressed, and be able to handle pressure more effectively. It also doesn't help that we're constantly being encouraged to become healthier, happier, and more successful. Ironically, we have all the information at the tips of our fingers to practice ...