Pause to recalibrate and reimagine

When I was young, I would always take a break between my studies. I would not miss my favourite Chitrahaar or Sunday evening movie as well as make time to go for a walk and chat with family. Taking a break enhanced my productivity and recharged me to stay motivated. Also, it helped break the loop of constant worry over performance. I would go to the temple before any exam to let go of my anxiety and just focus on the preparation rather than the outcome.

Even now, the habit of taking a break continues. Before launching any project or finalizing a book, I step away for a while to allow the work to breathe. It brings in the dispassion and clarity and enhances the quality of the output. When I started writing my fourth book, I Am Perfection, it was a 30 chapters book. After a few months, the book reduced to 7 chapters with a powerful theme and flow. During the pause, I was able to detach from the emotions and observe the patterns objectively.

Music is the sound between pauses. We can bring music in our life by taking a pause to rejuvenate our energy and review our work or life differently. It sublimates the anxious emotions that often get attached to a situation or project and makes space for creativity to emerge. It also balances the mind and body and renews the sense of equilibrium. A weekend off, a short get away, a few hours off, a few breathes, all help to renew the well being.

Now, what truly matters is what we do or don’t do during the pause. If we keep whirling in the same loop of thoughts, that does not add any value. Rather, it depletes more energy and adds to the confusion. Whereas, if we consciously take a pause from the stream of thoughts and review our state of being, we can experience a definite shift. Expressing gratitude and acknowledging our strengths and relationships has a multiplier effect on feeling positive.

Whenever I feel stuck, I use different ways to reconnect with my core. Going for a walk, writing, exercise, yoga, chanting, music, movie, reading, catching up with friends or family, going out for a retreat, meditation, praying at the temple, doing cross stitch, cooking, speaking to my coach, taking a new course or learning a skill…there are just so many ways to recalibrate my thoughts and emotions. During the pause or phases of silence, the observer comes alive and I am able to reimagine possibilities beyond my imagination. I feel invigorated at the sheer magic that life has to offer and move forward with a renewed excitement.