Mindful breaks for kindness towards self and others
We are often too busy or too absent to take a break - to truly relax, away from the events of our days.
This is either because we are not tuning into our inner landscape and getting in touch with the signals our bodies are sending us, or we are intentionally not responding to the signals and carry on with our tasks, or we have forgotten how to relax in the first place. The latter can - alarmingly - happen when our built-in stress-response system is over-activated, over a longer stretch of time.
Making space for regular relaxation time, for example, by tuning into the physical sensations of breathing, has a very calming effect on our nervous systems. This involves shifting our attention away from thoughts that are keeping us stimulated, to the sensory experience of breathing, thereby allowing our thoughts to settle. We feel refreshed and more energised, as a result.
But, if spending 10 minutes paying attention to your breathing seems too unfamiliar, try a longer walk out in nature, or make a ceremony out of drinking your tea, as you intentionally activate your senses and deliberately shift your attention away from your thinking mind.
You will notice in this process, that your mind keeps pulling you back into your thought stream. Whenever you notice this, simply bring your attention back to the sensory experience of the moment:
** the warm tea cup in your hands, the sound of the wind, or the rhythmic sensation of your breath, …. **
But it all boils down to choosing to be kinder to yourself.
And this, by all means, is not a selfish act: mindful breaks not only improve your own sense of clarity and well-being, but they also allow you to be kinder towards others - by connecting to them in a more relaxed, intentional, and curious way.
“... Take refuge in your senses, open up
To all the small miracles you rushed through.
Become inclined to watch the way of rain
When it falls slow and free.
Imitate the habit of twilight,
Taking time to open the well of color
That fostered the brightness of day
...”
