{"id":206890,"date":"2020-06-04T20:33:06","date_gmt":"2020-06-04T20:33:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/strengthbasedliving.com\/?p=206890"},"modified":"2021-05-05T16:43:58","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T16:43:58","slug":"the-mindful-pause","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/understanding-strengths\/the-mindful-pause\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mindful Pause"},"content":{"rendered":"

To say we are in a time of unprecedented upheaval would be a gross understatement, given the pandemic, economic downturn, and widespread looting and rioting in the United States. Still, as we face the difficult challenges of rebuilding and making systemic societal changes, there are many inspiring opportunities to also build up hope, courage, and each other.<\/p>\n

We can probably benefit the most from strength-based practices during times like these. They can shift who we are and how we approach adversity. However, the challenge is it\u2019s difficult in the moment to shift from fear, frustration, anger, and anxiety \u2013 when I\u2019m certainly not at my best \u2013 to peace, strength, and good will to others.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, we can choose to respond from a position of strength rather than raw emotion. The question is how? When life is humming along smoothly, it\u2019s easier to envision staying in the strengths lane. What about when we feel chronically anxious and stressed?<\/p>\n

The practice below is a method that can help you shift your inner feelings and perspective from anxiety to strength, even when that may feel impossible to achieve. It prepares you to choose how you will face what comes next in your day.<\/p>\n

It isn\u2019t a cure-all, but it can certainly become one of your go-to practices. You\u2019ll need no special materials for this simple, 60-second practice. Best of all, you can do it almost anywhere, anytime. It\u2019s called the Mindful Pause.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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The Inspiration<\/h4>\n

You have the power to choose your response to virtually every situation you face. As you think about tackling your next life challenge, ask yourself: \u201cWho do I wish to be in the face of this next challenge?\u201d<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re preparing to address a friend or family member with conflicting views or mustering up the courage to have a conversation\u00a0with your kids about\u00a0social injustice, this practice is a helpful tool to get you grounded in strength and resilience.<\/p>\n

Many prefer to be grounded in character strengths<\/a> \u2013 for instance, bravery, perseverance, prudence, or kindness \u2013 rather than fear and anxiety. If you\u2019re unsure of your unique blend of character strengths, feel free to take the free character strengths survey<\/a> to discover yours.<\/p>\n

The Mindful Pause is a powerful research-based character strengths intervention that I chose to feature in my guidebook, 30 Days of Character Strengths<\/a>, because of its ease and impact. I love sharing this practice with friends, family, clients, and webinar participants because they quickly experience the shift from not being at their best to inner strength and authenticity.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Personally, I like to take\u00a0Mindful Pauses throughout my day. For instance, I pause\u00a0before\u00a0presentations, client calls, and team meetings. Just ask my marketing team at Grotto Marketing<\/a> \u2013 we\u2019re all taking a Mindful Pause before each of our calls to feel strengths-fueled and ready to tackle what\u2019s on our agenda.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Give it a try!\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Practice<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The Mindful Pause has three simple steps:<\/p>\n

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  1. Pause, close your eyes, and take six deep breaths. Remember to match the length of your inhalations and exhalations. As your mind wanders during this short time, which it will do, simply bring your focus back to your breath.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  2. After you\u2019ve taken six\u00a0breaths, silently ask yourself the following question: Which of my character strengths will help me with what comes\u00a0next?\u00a0Allow one strength to come into your awareness, and try not to force one in.<\/li>\n
  3. Take one final breath, open your eyes, and shift your awareness to the present moment. Consider\u00a0the strength that came to mind and think of one way to apply that strength as you continue your day.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    As you begin this practice, the graphic below is a handy reminder of the 24 character strengths. In addition, this website<\/a>\u00a0is a helpful resource that\u00a0offers ways to put strengths into action. Simply click on the strength you chose.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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    \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

    The Reflection<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    The Mindful Pause helped me shift from _________ to _________. <\/em><\/p>\n

    In other words, how were you thinking, feeling, or behaving before you took the pause? Who or what did it allow you to shift into? Perhaps you shifted from anxious to focused, or confused to confident. Feel free to elaborate by journaling or discussing with a trusted friend or colleague.<\/p>\n

    May you go forward, grounded in what\u2019s best within you and ready to face what\u2019s next, with strength and resilience.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    Mindfully,
    Jane<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>