Charming Testimonial for Married Couples Pausing...

When I got the Meaning to Pause bracelet, the first thing I tried was to use the pause to think about my wife, Kristin. At the time, I was out of town and Kristin didn't have a bracelet yet. Sometimes this was a phone call or a text message, sometimes it was just me thinking, "I miss you honey." This was relationship-gold!

She really liked the support when working long hours, and it wasn't difficult to do. It's comforting to know when your partner is thinking about you. Sometimes this makes for mushy, cutesy, moments, but that is balanced by all the times you pause for a new reason, in a new way.

The pause bracelet will not listen to your excuses, it will gently nudge you to think, or act. Inevitably, I end up pausing in thanks, or in silent reflection, or maybe I suddenly remember that I need to stop at the store. There are a lot of fun ways to use it, so I queue up new ideas for my next pause.

My favorite pauses often occur when Kristin and I are together. We sync them and pause together throughout the day. When we're together, it's an excuse to glance at each other and smile. When we're apart, it makes us feel connected - like we've spent more time together that day than we actually did.

Since we both work long hours on opposite shifts, it helps us feel like we're still on the same planet. We find ourselves reflecting on the important things that are often swept under the rug. When a family member is ill, or a baby is being born, pauses tend to focus on these events. For us, it's a great way to maintain our sanity, and it helps us get the most out of life.

Ken & Kristin

PAUSING....Finding Time For YOU!

Within each of us there is a well of energy that must be regularly replenished. When we act as if this well is bottomless, scheduling a long list of activities that fit like puzzle pieces into every minute of every day, it becomes depleted and we feel exhausted, disconnected, and weak. Refilling this well is a matter of finding time to focus on, nurture, and care for ourselves, or "you time." Most of us are, at different times throughout the day, a spouse, a friend, a relative, an employee, a parent, or a volunteer, which means that down time, however relaxing in nature, is not necessarily "you time." Though some people will inevitably look upon "you time" as being selfish, it is actually the polar opposite of selfishness. We can only excel where our outer world affairs are concerned when our own spiritual, physical, and intellectual needs are fulfilled.

Recognizing the importance of "you time" is far easier than finding a place for it in an active, multifaceted lifestyle, however. Even if you find a spot for it in your agenda, you may be dismayed to discover that your thoughts continuously stray into worldly territory. To make the most of "you time," give yourself enough time on either side of the block of time you plan to spend on yourself to ensure that you do not feel rushed. Consider how you would like to pass the time, forgetting for the moment your obligations and embracing the notion of renewal. You may discover that you are energized by creative pursuits, guided meditation, relaxing activities during which your mind can wander, or modes of expression such as writing.

Even if you have achieved a functioning work-life balance, you may still be neglecting the most important part of that equation: you. "You time" prepares you for the next round of daily life, whether you are poised to immerse yourself in a professional project or chores around the home. It also affords you a unique opportunity to learn about yourself, your needs, and your tolerances in a concrete way. As unimportant as "you time" can sometimes seem, it truly is crucial to your wellbeing because it ensures that you are never left without the energy to give of yourself.

PAUSE to rest and improve your health...

Strong work ethic? You can still justify taking a break. In fact, we NEED to take breaks -- regularly and frequently. Why? WE WORK MORE EFFECTIVELY WHEN WE DON'T WORK SO MUCH. Rest periods break our work routines. They help SHIFT OUR THINKING from its habitual, stuck patterns. They create the SPACE FOR ENERGY AND CREATIVITY to flow. They give us TIME FOR REFLECTION, so we can step back and look at what's happening in our lives with greater detachment. We become more sensitive and aware. And finally, we are stronger when we BALANCE DOING with BEING. All work and no rest throws our life out of balance and endangers our health. Our bodies and minds need sufficient rest for recuperation. This is critically important with the level of stress in our lives these days. "The time to relax is when you don't have time for it."-- Sidney J. Harris

WONDERFUL RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS: (from a meaning to pause customer)

Today, on my way home from driving my daughter to school, I saw a homeless man walking with his dog. My pause had just gone off. I turned around and went to Starbucks and got him a hot chocolate and muffin. It was cold and drizzling. I just can’t imagine walking in his shoes. I gave him the hot chocolate and a treat for his dog and a Starbucks gift card. He was so nice and he was so appreciative! Not drunk or drugged out at all. Just plain homeless and in need of kindness...

Calming the "Monkey Mind"

What's to be gained by calming the monkey mind?

The words "monkey mind" comes from a Buddhist description of the mind of a person who is not in the present moment. The mind of such a person is said to be likened to a monkey that goes from tree to tree tasting a piece of fruit from each and then dropping it and moving on to the next tree. As with many of us, our thought process runs in much the same way. We jump from thought to thought and project to project without really ever being in the present and fully experiencing everything we are doing at a given time.

With constant pressure to do more, keep moving and go faster, our everyday lives often do not and cannot reflect our most heartfelt values and ideas. If the axiom… YOUR LIFE IS YOUR MESSAGE is true... I shudder to think “What message I am sending?”

It's been called the monkey mind - the endless chattering in your head as you jump in your mind from thought to thought while you daydream, analyze your relationships, or worry over the future. Eventually, you start to feel like your thoughts are spinning out of control and you're left tired and confused.

One way to tame this wild creature in your head is through meditation or pausing to clear your head. It is inside your PAUSE… that you are given the opportunity to tame this mental beast… by moving beyond thought - to become aware of a thought rather than thinking a thought. The difference is subtle, however, very significant. When you are aware of your thoughts, you can let your thoughts go without letting them pull you in different directions.

Being able to concentrate is one of the tools that allow you to slow down your thought process. Using your “Daily Pauses” can be as simple as choosing… Choosing to chant, singing a devotional song, and prayer also still the mind. However you choose to tame the monkey mind, do so with firm kindness. The next time the chattering arises, notice it and then allow it to go away. Doing this in a consistent, congruent manner with each and every Pause… With practice, monkey mind will become quiet and so will you.

Take Your Time… Find Balance in a Hurried World

If you conquer your mind, you will control your life. It is that simple.

Namaste`… Molly N.

Clearing your head....

meaning to pause does not suggest that pausing is easy.  Many times, that gentle nudge arrives and your head is so filled with clutter, that the pause can actually become another burden mixed in with all that clutter and chaos. 

TAKE NOTE; if that does happen to you and your pause  is not a welcomed relief.....you are in critical condition.  At that very moment - you need to step away from where you are and regroup.  Force yourself to clear your head and USE THAT PAUSE wisely.

The best thing to do when you are in "critical condition" is to take 3 deep breaths....clear your head and then decide what else you want to do with that pause.  It may be nothing at all.....but at least you took those deep breaths and gave your mind and body a quick, needed break. 

Train yourself to get good at this - you will be amazed at how your life will become peaceful and your head clear of clutter.