Pace and pause

Just for Now – Danna Faulds

Just for now, without asking how, let yourself sink into stillness.

Just for now, lay down the weight

You so patiently bear upon your shoulders.

Feel the earth receive you,

And the infinite expanse of the sky grow even wider,

as your awareness reaches up to meet it.

Just for now,

Allow a wave of breath to enliven your experience.

Breathe out whatever blocks you from the truth.

Just for now,

Be boundless, free,

with awakened energy tingling in your hands and feet.

Drink in the possibility

Of being who and what you really are —

So fully alive that the world looks different,

Newly born and vibrant, just for now. June has arrived, and with it, the realization that we've somehow reached the midpoint of the year. Time has a way of slipping by unnoticed, and before we know it, we find ourselves halfway through our journey around the sun. While the turn of the year is what often prompts us to reflect and set intentions, I've come to appreciate the value of pausing to take stock at other times too. This mid-year milestone has given me the opportunity to examine the patterns and habits that have slowly crept back into my life - some serving me well, others holding me back. It's a chance to recalibrate, to ask myself if the path I'm on is still aligned with my goals and values. And here's what i'm reflecting on... I'm sooooo tired!

As yogis, we are constantly reminded of the importance of listening to our bodies and being attentive during practice. But the challenge lies in translating the wisdom we gain in our practice into our daily lives. As someone who pours their heart and soul into everything they do, I struggle to find the sweet spot between full engagement and self-preservation.

I tend to put all of myself into things – work, relationships... there is both authenticity and vulnerability in this. It's who I am, and it brings benefits - creativity, connection with others, a sense of purpose. However, when life gets tough, particularly in work, this same trait can lead to over-commiting and edging dangerously close to burnout. Recognizing when I've pushed too far often comes late, making it hard to put the brakes on.

It's all too easy to fall into the trap of thinking, "If I just work a bit more today, things will be better tomorrow." But tomorrow brings new challenges, and that promised rest never materializes. It's a cycle that can leave us feeling depleted and out of balance.

So, what if we could find a new way? Instead of constantly pushing and pulling, stopping and starting, what if we could pace ourselves differently - finding a sustainable rhythm that allows for both action and rest? What if we could learn to build pauses into each moment, rather than always rushing towards a distant oasis of stillness?

Here's the advice I'm giving myself, and perhaps it will resonate with you too:

1. Embrace the ebb and flow. Our energy levels and capacities naturally fluctuate. Embrace these cycles, riding the waves of productivity and allowing yourself to rest without guilt.

2. Schedule the pauses. Treat rest and self-care as non-negotiable commitments. Block off time for them in your calendar, just as you would for a work meeting.

3. Find micro-pauses. Infuse your day with tiny moments of stillness - a few deep breaths, a quick stretch, or a moment to feel your feet on the ground. These small pauses can help regulate your nervous system and prevent burnout.

4. Practice self-compassion. When you notice yourself slipping into overdrive, meet that awareness with kindness. Remind yourself that you're doing your best and that it's okay to adjust your pace as needed.

5. Let your practice guide you. Use your yoga practice to explore pace and pause. Notice how different rhythms and intensities affect your body and mind, and let these insights inform how you structure your days.

This advice may seem simple, even obvious. But isn't that often the problem? We overlook the straightforward answers right in front of us, convinced that balance must be more complicated. In reality, listening to our bodies and making small, consistent changes is often exactly what we need.

So, maybe we don't need to make this more complicated than it needs to be. We just need to pay attention and be willing to make small, consistent changes. It's not about overhauling our entire lives overnight. It's about taking tiny steps, day by day.

Will it be easy? Probably not. Will it be worth it? Absolutely. Because we've only got one life, and we should live it fully - not just in the big, shiny moments, but in all the little everyday ones too.

So, let's embrace the ebb and flow, find our own unique pace, and make room for the pauses. Let's approach each moment with open eyes and an open heart, ready to learn and grow and adapt as we go.

And most importantly, let's be kind to ourselves along the way. Because at the end of the day, this whole "balance" thing isn't about perfection - it's about progress. It's about showing up, again and again, and doing the best we can with what we've got.