Inhale, Exhale: The Importance Of The Sacred Pause

While Holy Week is a time for us to reflect on the life and passion of Jesus, it is also an opportunity to take a breather, literally and figuratively. Here are the health benefits of doing so for our body, mind, heart, and spirit.

For Catholics, this is a much anticipated time of the year to reflect on the passion and life of Jesus Christ and customarily has also become an opportunity to slow down and unplug from our usual daily grind. Amidst our ever busy, always-on routines for days, weeks, months, and even years, it is no wonder we crave to hit the pause button.

The Cleveland Clinic advises, “Your brain needs a rest now and then. A little downtime is important for your brain health. Research has found that taking breaks can improve your mood, boost your performance and increase your ability to concentrate and pay attention.”

The clinic elaborates by sharing, “When you don’t give your mind a chance to pause and refresh, it doesn’t work as efficiently. You might also be more likely to experience burnout and the health problems that go hand-in-hand with chronic stress.”

Spiritual stylist, Michelle Pozon shares, “Rest is sacred. It is the greatest source of rejuvenation. It is my way of surrendering & acknowledging the wisdom of the divine. When I rest, I allow my cup to be refilled beyond measure, time and time again.”

Pozon emphasizes, “I prioritize this sacred pause daily by meditating and journaling every day, without exception. This is my form of prayer; my way of giving thanks. It allows me to love all that is, and ride the waves of joy and uncertainty, knowing that everything is temporary.”

Here are some more insights on how crucial it is for us to heed the call of the sacred pause.

SuperSoul Sunday

SuperSoul Sunday is the “multi-award winning series that delivers a timely thought-provoking, eye-opening and inspiring block of programming designed to help viewers awaken to their best selves and discover a deeper connection to the world around them. Recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with two Daytime Emmy awards, SuperSoul Sunday features all-new conversations between Oprah Winfrey and top thinkers, authors, visionaries and spiritual leaders exploring themes and issues including happiness, personal fulfillment, spirituality, conscious living and what it means to be alive in today’s world.” In this episode with Anne Ornish, she talks to Winfrey about how remaining mindful and taking pauses throughout the day may be a useful tool to manage everyday stressors.

The Sacred Pause Dharma Talk by Jack Kornfield

According to his website, Jack Kornfield holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India and Burma. He has been teaching meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. After graduating from Dartmouth College in Asian Studies in 1967 he joined the Peace Corps and worked on tropical medicine teams in the Mekong River valley. He met and studied as a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma. He is the co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein and the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California. Kornfield has taught in centers and universities worldwide, led International Buddhist Teacher meetings, and worked with many of the great teachers of our time.

Press Pause: Wellbeing for the Always-On featuring Jay Shetty

Milken Institute features Jay Shetty, a former monk who “has made it his mission to make ‘wisdom go viral’, talks productivity, contentment and success. When life feels like it’s always “go, go, go” it is easy to forget about our own wellbeing. Jay will share the important practices and mindfulness techniques that can help decrease stress, increase productivity, and put you on the pathway to personal and professional success.”

Banner photo via Pexels by Mikhail Nilov.