The tension that exists between what I have to do, what I want to do, what I need to do, what I should do, what others want me to do, and what the universe is pulling me towards, is constant.
Moving forward means different things depending on the current circumstances. Something my ex father in law said that stuck with me was, “everything has trade offs”
He didn’t mean this in a negative way. Just a way of moving forward without so much hesitation.
That it’s okay, there is no perfect decision.
.
Charlie, I use that phrase all the time. To me is does call forth opportunities. It also puts me in a position for discernment. When the “I should have’s” come into my thinking, I remember that I made that decision with the facts I had on hand an I dealt with the outcome and can talk about it now.
Yes, I’m replying to my own answer 🤔
After reading all of your responses, I realized that I interpreted this question very differently and I was confused, but I plowed ahead anyway. I read it as “what opportunities do I need to put on pause” to move ahead. 😁 I thought it was strange to have to put opportunities on hold.
This is exactly the kind of thing that made taking tests in school difficult for me. Some kind of dyslexia for sure.
Coming to this site most mornings helps me pause and breathe. The stress in my life can really get me going, so coming here each morning gives me respite so I can continue with the day.
After my morning meditation, I usually have a chance to pause before jumping into my day, often this is when I can reflect on our grateful.org question of the day. After each meal, I often have a chance to pause before moving into the activities after the meal. Actually, each meal is itself a nourishing pause in the day. There are also many other times when I could take the opportunity to pause, especially if I notice myself becoming speeded up, frustrated, or impatient. Just a short pause to reground myself in the divine stream of love.
I have this very moment, this present moment to pause, breathe deep & be present. In my meditation time, soon to follow, I pause, breathe deep & focus on calm, peace…I can move forward into my day ahead centered, peaceful & present.✨
I have been faithful in taking time in the morning to read the word of the day, ponder and answer the question, and read the news in the grateful lounge. That practice centers and grounds me.
As I wake, I am quick to think about the day ahead and what all I need to do. I find my mind rushing all over the place and this sense of urgency to get things done. I try to accept my racing thoughts and tell myself to simply relax. I think in the one quote by Lao Tzu “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished”. I don’t need to rush, I don’t need to hurry. I can take a pause, I can take a moment to simply be still.
I try to pause at transition points throughout the day as I move from one activity to the next or to rest. For instance getting into the car, before a meal, sitting on the couch at the end of the day. It’s a nice way to take in the moment.
I’m in a 4-week practice called Pathway to Happiness. This week’s focus is a Digital Detox. It’s a great opportunity for me to detach from scrolling on my screen too much. An ideal pause to activate my senses and refresh my busy mind.
LOL, My Ngoc, that’s exactly what I got when I attempted to start that program with you. Even though it wasn’t for me, I respect how the practices were based on the individual’s needs. Inside matters are deep. 1 model must be used for each person; not all persons.
I pause every morning with meditation. On walks, we pause at the crosswalk, waiting for our light to change and get over to the park and then later back over to the neighborhood. I usually pause before preparing meals, and then we pause before eating.
The aging process has given me many more opportunities to pause and give my back some rest from my daily labors. I follow my breath and follow my sense of sight and sound to take in the beauty that surrounds me here in the San Luis Valley. Not naming what is there, just becoming present, aware, for a few minutes with what is now.
I am having the same experience,
dear Joseph . . .
when my back first started to give me problems
I resented having to slow down
and take breaks,
but now I have come to terms with it.
Now enjoy the breaks . . .
they open me to deeper experience of the now
with love . . .♥
Thank you for expressing so well for me.
Literally? Traffic lights. Each time I am ‘waiting’ I have the chance to bring myself into the present. It is like sitting up after unconsciously settling into a seat…I have the chance to really LOOK, coming out of whatever reveries my mind has been going on and on about. To see where I am. Notice the things around me. The people in the other cars, the trees (if there are any) the sky…birds. To see what my experience is in that moment.
Howie Geib, I love how you are reframing traffic lights from being an annoyance that slows us down to getting where we want to go, into an opportunity!
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I enjoy coming on this site to pause and reflect. An opportunity to slow down and have positive thoughts.
The tension that exists between what I have to do, what I want to do, what I need to do, what I should do, what others want me to do, and what the universe is pulling me towards, is constant.
Moving forward means different things depending on the current circumstances. Something my ex father in law said that stuck with me was, “everything has trade offs”
He didn’t mean this in a negative way. Just a way of moving forward without so much hesitation.
That it’s okay, there is no perfect decision.
.
Charlie, I use that phrase all the time. To me is does call forth opportunities. It also puts me in a position for discernment. When the “I should have’s” come into my thinking, I remember that I made that decision with the facts I had on hand an I dealt with the outcome and can talk about it now.
Yes, I’m replying to my own answer 🤔
After reading all of your responses, I realized that I interpreted this question very differently and I was confused, but I plowed ahead anyway. I read it as “what opportunities do I need to put on pause” to move ahead. 😁 I thought it was strange to have to put opportunities on hold.
This is exactly the kind of thing that made taking tests in school difficult for me. Some kind of dyslexia for sure.
Charlie, I think your reading of the question is completely valid.
It could definitely be read this way.
🙂
Coming to this site most mornings helps me pause and breathe. The stress in my life can really get me going, so coming here each morning gives me respite so I can continue with the day.
After my morning meditation, I usually have a chance to pause before jumping into my day, often this is when I can reflect on our grateful.org question of the day. After each meal, I often have a chance to pause before moving into the activities after the meal. Actually, each meal is itself a nourishing pause in the day. There are also many other times when I could take the opportunity to pause, especially if I notice myself becoming speeded up, frustrated, or impatient. Just a short pause to reground myself in the divine stream of love.
I have this very moment, this present moment to pause, breathe deep & be present. In my meditation time, soon to follow, I pause, breathe deep & focus on calm, peace…I can move forward into my day ahead centered, peaceful & present.✨
I have been faithful in taking time in the morning to read the word of the day, ponder and answer the question, and read the news in the grateful lounge. That practice centers and grounds me.
As I wake, I am quick to think about the day ahead and what all I need to do. I find my mind rushing all over the place and this sense of urgency to get things done. I try to accept my racing thoughts and tell myself to simply relax. I think in the one quote by Lao Tzu “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished”. I don’t need to rush, I don’t need to hurry. I can take a pause, I can take a moment to simply be still.
Thank you for sharing that profound quote by Lao Tzu, Jenifer!
Mornings.
I try to pause at transition points throughout the day as I move from one activity to the next or to rest. For instance getting into the car, before a meal, sitting on the couch at the end of the day. It’s a nice way to take in the moment.
I’m in a 4-week practice called Pathway to Happiness. This week’s focus is a Digital Detox. It’s a great opportunity for me to detach from scrolling on my screen too much. An ideal pause to activate my senses and refresh my busy mind.
LOL, My Ngoc, that’s exactly what I got when I attempted to start that program with you. Even though it wasn’t for me, I respect how the practices were based on the individual’s needs. Inside matters are deep. 1 model must be used for each person; not all persons.
I will look for opportunities throughout my day to Stop. Look. Go. Be present.
Have a great weekend everyone:)
I pause every morning with meditation. On walks, we pause at the crosswalk, waiting for our light to change and get over to the park and then later back over to the neighborhood. I usually pause before preparing meals, and then we pause before eating.
My morning meditation routine gives me a perfect opportunity to pause before moving forward.
The aging process has given me many more opportunities to pause and give my back some rest from my daily labors. I follow my breath and follow my sense of sight and sound to take in the beauty that surrounds me here in the San Luis Valley. Not naming what is there, just becoming present, aware, for a few minutes with what is now.
I am having the same experience,
dear Joseph . . .
when my back first started to give me problems
I resented having to slow down
and take breaks,
but now I have come to terms with it.
Now enjoy the breaks . . .
they open me to deeper experience of the now
with love . . .♥
Thank you for expressing so well for me.
Literally? Traffic lights. Each time I am ‘waiting’ I have the chance to bring myself into the present. It is like sitting up after unconsciously settling into a seat…I have the chance to really LOOK, coming out of whatever reveries my mind has been going on and on about. To see where I am. Notice the things around me. The people in the other cars, the trees (if there are any) the sky…birds. To see what my experience is in that moment.
Howie Geib, I love how you are reframing traffic lights from being an annoyance that slows us down to getting where we want to go, into an opportunity!