“It Is All about The Pause”
The ‘Pause’ reminds me of the Costa Rican greeting ” Pura Vida” meaning pure life. Wikipedia goes on to say that contextually it means something approximate to “Full of Life”, “Purified life”, “This is living!”, “Going great”, or “Cool!”
It can be used as a greeting, as a word of farewell, or to express satisfaction. Some outsiders view the phrase as an expression of a leisurely lifestyle, of disregard for time and wanton friendliness. However, Costa Ricans use the phrase to express something akin to a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, resilience in overcoming difficulties with good spirits, and enjoying life slowly and celebrating good fortune of magnitudes small and large alike.
I had the pleasure of spending an unbelievable week in Costa Rica visiting the city of San Jose, out to the rain forest of Puntarenas, up to the dry forests of Guanacaste and then back to the cloud forests of the Central Valley. The people were kind and accommodating and the scenery and activities were spectacular. It was a week full of culinary pleasures and aromas.
Embrace The Pause
Our hosts showed a true love of their country and what it had to offer to visitors from around the world. It was not boastful or over-the-top. Costa Rica has not fallen into the tourist trappings of many other countries. It is guided by environmental principles and social consciousness. The country and the people seem to truly embrace Pura Vida. They take the time to Pause and enjoy what is all around them.
Take A Pause
The following Monday I was back in my office with a pile of emails awaiting urgent responses and it would have been easy to fall back into the chaos of life. However, I decided to take a moment to organize my numerous trip pictures and listen to a CD that was given to me as a gift. The CD called Simbiosis by Manuel Obregon, is a beautiful concert in the middle of the rain forest complete with a piano and all the sounds of nature. The impact was astounding. And the Pause helped me to focus on what needed to be done with more joy, patience, and gratitude.
Beverly’s Hot Tips For Celebrating Pause The World Day:
Strategy 1: Mindfulness Moments
- Carve out short, intentional pauses throughout your day. This could involve deep breathing exercises, meditation, or simply observing one’s surroundings.
- Incorporate mindfulness into daily routines, such as during commutes, lunch breaks, or before bed.
Strategy 2: Digital Detox
- Disconnecting from technology reduces stress, improves sleep, and enhances focus. It allows for greater mindfulness, ultimately leading to deeper relaxation.
- Set aside specific times for digital detox, such as during meals or before sleep.
Strategy 3: Nature Connection
- Spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety by providing a calming environment. Exposure to natural light and fresh air improves mood, concentration, and overall well-being.
- Try incorporating outdoor such as taking walks, gardening, or simply sitting outside. Pause and appreciate the natural world around you.
Strategy 4: Time Management with Intention
- Effective time management isn’t about cramming in more tasks, but strategically allocating time for both productivity and rest. By prioritizing tasks and creating intentional pauses, individuals can increase overall efficiency and well-being.
- Try prioritizing tasks, delegating when possible, and learning to say no to commitments that don’t align with your personal well-being. Schedule specific “pause” times into your calendar.
Strategy 5: Cultivating Gratitude
- Practicing gratitude shifts focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant, fostering a sense of contentment and peace. Regular gratitude cultivates a positive outlook, reduces stress, and strengthens overall well-being.
- To foster more gratitude in your life try keeping a gratitude journal, expressing thanks to others, or simply taking time to appreciate the positive aspects of life. Focus on the present moment and find joy in the small things.
Embracing the art of pausing is not about escaping life but enriching it. By incorporating moments of stillness into your day, you cultivate resilience and a deeper appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Like the Costa Ricans, let “Pura Vida” be your mantra, a reminder to savor each moment, no matter how small. Remember, it’s in these pauses that we truly connect with ourselves, others, and the world around us.
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Contact Beverly about hosting a mental health workshop for your teams on how to build resilience. Learn relaxation strategies, and discover coping tips to deal with stress, change and crisis!
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If you have some strategies to share – comment on this posting!
Additional Resources:
Relaxation Day Article
National Relaxation Day – August 15