When trying to change a habitual thought pattern or behavior it is critical to practice what I like to call: the power pause.
What is it and why is it important?
The power pause helps us create a tiny pocket of time where our mind has an opportunity to override our emotions.The goal here is to make just enough space in the moment of tension to widen the decision gap so you can make a different and better decision.
Initiating this pause is foundational to breaking a bad habit, mitigating anxiety, and interrupting the negative mind chatter that plays on loop during times of stress. This is accomplished through a simple spiritual practice—pause and pray.
The power pause technique is simple and should only take a minute of your time. It incorporates deep breathing and mindful connection to create a calm space when emotions are high and resolve is low.
Even so, making this decision in a moment of stress is hard to do. Why? Because we’ve been hardwired to respond to our emotions. When this happens instinct overrides reason and triggers us to react, most of the time without much thought.
Unless we can find a way to resist our desire to seek immediate gratification and escape discomfort we will feel powerless. But in order to resist we need to create space from these emotional cues.
And this is where the practice of the power pause proves useful.
Taking a single moment to pause and slow yourself down long enough to pray allows God, our power source, to become our place of retreat. Stepping into His presence creates a sacred space for which we can rest our adrenaline soaked souls.
Additionally, this is also where we shift from will-power to His-power in order to make a different and better decision.
Once this technique becomes your first line of defense it will not only prove to be the most beneficial 60 seconds of your day but has the power to change how you respond to stress the rest of your life.
“Be still, and know that I am God.“ (Psalm 46:10)
- What situations or triggers create an emotional tailspin for you?
- Practice the Pause and Pray technique multiple times today in different situations.
- Notice feelings that cause resistance and find a way to troubleshoot them.
Prayer is just a conversation with God. Talk to Him today about anything you are struggling to understand or control.
Be bold. Be brave. Be free.
Dori
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