The Importance of Pausing in a Busy World

Sometimes the world slows down just long enough to remind us that we should too

I woke up this morning to find snow on the grass and in the trees. Not generally a momentous occasion since it’s still winter, but for us, it is. This is only our fourth snow this winter, and it’s March. In a normal year, I’d feel resentful of snow on my Sunday, but this isn’t a normal year. I’m glad for the pause that snow often brings, especially on the weekends.

Listening to the squirrel's steps on the roof of my office, I hear it launch itself toward the oak tree, barely hanging onto the branch in front of my window. Another successful squirrel launch, I think to myself. I love my office, but listening to squirrels scamper across the roof and watching them leap into the tree is a wonderful part of my day. 

I always pause when I hear them. 

Lying in shavasanah at the end of a yoga class, our instructor reminds us to breathe in…5…4…3…2…1…pause. And then exhale to 5…4…3…2…1…pause. I’ve been regularly practicing for three years, and I still struggle not to breathe too quickly or rush the count. It’s a struggle to pause at the top or the bottom before breathing again. 

It’s a lull I need. 

On a walk, my dog reminds me to stop as she sniffs different areas. I use this moment to catch my breath or to fully take in the surrounding nature. Dogs are good at taking breaks,  unlike their people.

Filling our lives with busyness has exhausted us to the point where we are too tired to actually pause, afraid we’ll miss something, or that we’ll fall asleep. 

As a small business owner, I know it’s difficult to take a break. There’s always something that needs to be done: return a phone call, work on a schedule, balance the books. In between waking up and going to sleep, we’re busy. If it’s not our business, it’s our kids, significant others, parents, pets, and friends pulling us in different directions. 

If we pause, we might turn to doomscrolling or take care of one or two emails while we have a minute. It’s not really resting, though. 

The snow has brought me pause. Sure, there’s plenty to do in my house, but for some reason, snow relaxes me, makes me want to sit wrapped in a cozy blanket, and relax. Breathe. 

Snow has caused the birds to be quiet today, and though the squirrels are out, they’re not quite as active as usual. Maybe they need this break as well. 

When pausing makes you feel guilty, though, that should signal something’s wrong. Our bodies aren’t meant to move all the time. Nor are our brains meant to be online constantly. We need to rest, both when we’re awake and when we’re asleep. 

But our society is structured in a way that doesn’t allow us to disconnect, whether from our devices or our responsibilities. Yet we need snow days. We need a connection within ourselves. 

“Whether you and I and a few others will renew the world some day remains to be seen. But within ourselves we must renew it each day” (Hermann Hesse). We must take time for renewal, whether that’s prayer or meditation, doing some physical activity you enjoy, devoting time to a hobby, or spending time with loved ones. 

Take a pause and put your phone on silent. Sit comfortably. Close your eyes. Breathe in slowly, counting to yourself 5…4…3…2…1. Pause. Exhale 5…4…3…2…1. Feel your body relax. Do this for five rounds(or however many you need), and then enjoy the sensation of relaxation. 

Your body and mind will thank you for it.