In the hustle of daily life, I often find myself reacting automatically, driven by habits or external pressures. But I have come to realize that there is profound wisdom in pausing—creating space for reflection and self-awareness.
This pause allows me to step out of the automatic flow, question my assumptions, and observe what is happening inside and around me.
The Zen Master's Lesson on Pausing:
There is a Zen story that beautifully illustrates the power of pausing:
A Zen master was once approached by a student who asked, "Master, what is the essence of Zen?"
The master replied, "When you are hungry, eat; when you are tired, sleep."
The student, puzzled, asked, "Is that all?"
The master smiled and said, "Before you eat, pause; before you sleep, pause."
This story teaches me that true mindfulness isn't about constant activity but about being present in each moment, pausing to fully experience and understand it.
Brief Pause vs. Long Pause:
Incorporating pauses into my life can be approached in two ways:
• Brief Pause: Short, intentional moments throughout the day—like taking a deep breath, pausing before responding in a conversation, or centering myself before making a decision. These micro-mindfulness moments help me stay grounded and present, reducing stress and increasing focus.
• Long Pause: Extended periods for deeper reflection, such as dedicating time for meditation, journaling, or simply being still without distractions. Long pauses allow me to connect more profoundly with my inner thoughts and feelings, facilitating greater self-awareness and insight.
Both types of pauses are valuable. Brief pauses help me navigate daily challenges with greater ease, while long pauses provide the space needed for deeper introspection and personal growth.
Pausing (Insight) and Brain Integration:
Pausing is not just a mental practice; it also involves engaging both hemispheres of my brain. The left hemisphere is typically associated with rational, analytical, and practical thinking, while the right hemisphere is linked to intuition, creativity, and holistic processing. By pausing, I create an opportunity to activate and integrate both sides of my brain, fostering a more balanced and comprehensive approach to decision-making and problem-solving.
The corpus callosum is the bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of my brain, allowing them to communicate effectively. When I pause, especially during practices like meditation or deep reflection, I can enhance the function of the corpus callosum, promoting better coordination between the two hemispheres. This integration enables me to access both logical reasoning and intuitive insights, leading to more holistic and informed decisions.
Pivot (Breakthrough) and Neuroplasticity:
After pausing and gaining insights, the next stage is Pivot. This stage involves embracing change and stepping out of my comfort zone. After reflecting, I might realize my previous approach isn't working or that there is a better way forward. Pivoting requires courage to let go of what is familiar and make a move toward something better—even if it is uncertain at first.
Engaging in the act of pivoting can stimulate neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This process allows the brain to adapt and learn new skills, recover from injuries, and adjust to new situations. By challenging myself to change my approach or perspective, I encourage my brain to form new pathways, enhancing cognitive flexibility and resilience. This adaptability is crucial for personal growth and overcoming obstacles.
Merge (Epiphany) and Epigenetics:
The final stage is Merge, where I synthesize everything I have learned from the pause and pivot into a clear, actionable plan. The pieces come together, and I experience a moment of clarity—a true epiphany that helps me move forward with confidence. An epiphany is a sudden realization or insight that illuminates the meaning or essence of something. It's a moment when everything clicks into place, providing a new understanding or perspective.
This merging process doesn't just stay in the realm of thoughts; it extends to my very cells, leading to epigenetic changes. Epigenetics refers to modifications in gene expression that don't alter the DNA sequence but can influence how genes are activated or silenced. These changes can be influenced by various factors, including lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and personal experiences.
When I engage in deep reflection and make conscious decisions to change, I can influence my epigenetic markers. For instance, adopting healthier habits, managing stress, and fostering positive relationships can lead to beneficial epigenetic modifications. These changes can affect gene expression related to inflammation, stress response, and overall health, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and enhancing well-being.
By embracing this process—pausing to gather insights, pivoting when necessary to change my approach, and merging those insights into actionable steps—I can navigate life's complexities with greater clarity and purpose.
So, when I feel uncertain or overwhelmed, I will pause, pivot, and merge, trusting that each stage will guide me to a place of greater understanding and intentional action.
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SPIRITUALITY is not about religion, beliefs, or dogmas, it is about MASTERING THE SKILLS to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST.
We all want to lead more balanced, joyful, and fulfilled lives.
I hope you find this information helpful, or at least enlightening to some degree, and please share with your friends as this knowledge might help them to find their center and manifest towards a healthy lifestyle and be able to enjoy life to the fullest.
Peace and Love to all 💞
Contact me @ +60 111 670 3368
lizpranalife@gmail.com
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