We’ve been discussing Pauses: the purposeful (intentional) kind and the pushed (forced or necessary) pause. The latter is not typically your choice and is, most often, less pleasant. This is the kind of pause that I’d like to tell you about today. It’s my recent, pushed or necessary pause, in the form of a total knee replacement. To be clear and frank, this was my second knee replacement and not something I was looking forward to. I’ve had several surgeries in the last few years for my arthritis but the knee was a doozy----------a tough post-op recovery process. I had to wait for the second knee to get done until Covid calmed down a bit in the NY area. Too much pain; too much struggling; too many years not being able to walk properly, hike and to do the many outdoor and athletic things I enjoy doing.

The good news: it’s done and this time around was much easier. It has been around one month since the surgery at HSS (best hospital) and I’m doing physical therapy and managing my pain, while carrying on with my life. The truth is that, although I had no choice but to have all these surgeries, I’ve learned a lot and it’s mostly good.   

 

Here are some of the things I’ve learned:

1)When your body or felt sense (impulses, sensations) speak…….listen! Your body knows what’s going on before your conscious mind does.

2)Pause; so that you can take the time and space to figure out what’s ailing you: physically, mentally, emotionally, even spiritually. In other words, let your mind, body and spirit all work together to figure out what’s going on.

3)Don’t ignore your ‘intuitive’ hits or gut hunches. Remember that your gut and brain are connected through the vagus nerve. Your body never lies but sometimes, your mind can trick you. Bottom line: pay attention to the sensations and signals of your body. In my case, I couldn’t not pay attention (I know; bad English). My knees were hurting more and more until I got to the point where I could hardly walk and I felt like my bones were rubbing together, which in fact, they were. A friend of mine just told me that she was noticing being out of breath each time she climbed stairs. She called her physician, got a stress test done with a cardiologist and had to have bypass surgery which, probably saved her from a heart attack and possible death. So, listen………….

If you feel anxiety that just won’t go away, seek professional help. If you feel a lump, seek professional help……..you get the idea.

Often, trauma and emotional events get stored in our bodies and if we haven’t found a way to resolve them or to discharge their energy, they stay in our bodies and often, cause dis-ease.

4)take Purposeful or intentional pauses or breaks: vacation, staycation, a day in nature, a day to stay home and read or paint or write or just daydream…………These breaks not only recharge your body but they give you the space to clear your mind, thoughts and to create new, healthier habits, routines and rituals that will help you to thrive, instead of strive.

If you don’t allow yourself to do this (it’s challenging in this go,go,go society of ours), you may end up with no choice; ie: like an illness, needing a surgery, having a mental, physical or emotional breakdown, etc.

5)Though I didn’t pay attention soon enough, and I’ve had some major surgeries, I have learned from them.

When I’m feeling stressed and anxious or angry and moody, I look at what’s in my head (my thoughts). I know that my trauma reactions are coming up and that I must pause to become aware of them and work them through. Shaking your body or dancing around the room helps to discharge this trauma energy. That’s what animals do in the wild. When they’re attacked and they freeze and become immobile (instead of fighting or fleeing), this energy is in their bodies. They tremble and shake it out and often reenact what could have happened if they had fought. This discharges this pent-up energy and the animal doesn’t store the trauma. We humans seem to be the only species who store and live with trauma. You can also take a walk in nature, pet an animal, exercise, etc.

I was lucky enough to grow up with French parents, who learned the importance of time off and vacations. Europeans typically have 4-6 weeks minimum for vacation time. It gives them time to relax, unwind, recharge and then, to take action and move forward after, in their personal and professional lives.

I’ve learned that I’m most productive and most ‘in the flow’ when I take pauses or breaks, even small ones (5-10minutes).

 

TIPS:

1)At work, see if you can stand up, move around, shake your body out and clear your mind for 5 minutes every hour. This creates increased awareness, flow, creativity and productivity……..not to mention increased fulfillment.

2)Get out into nature as much as you can and ground yourself. Walk barefoot on the grass or dirt and feel the support you have. The beauty of nature can be awe-inspiring.

You can be in nature, even in the city. I live in NYC, near Riverside Park and the Hudson River and will just walk over there, to look at the trees, the colorful spring flowers, the multi-hued autumn leaves and the stunning sunsets. Just looking at them makes me happy. It also gives me ideas for my painting. It also gives you the opportunity to see other humans; friends or strangers.

Throughout Covid, I have gotten to know some folks in my neighborhood and have enjoyed conversations with new acquaintances, while maintaining relationships with friends and family.

3)Socializing is important, even if it’s just saying hello to a neighbor and chatting a bit. As a species, we need social contact, particularly with the isolation we’ve experienced with Covid.

4)Eat well, sleep well, laugh well, connect with others and have some fun!!

 

The good part of illness, or surgeries or other challenges, is that you develop a new perspective. You understand that health, peace within yourself and love, are the most important things. So, take a pause and give yourself the gift to:

1)relax and rest

2)refresh and rejuvenate

3)recharge and

4)reevaluate.

 

Your life, your health and your ‘joie de vivre’ will all change significantly, for the better………..You don’t have to trust me; try it for yourself and please let me know………

 

With smiles and love,

Dr Gigi

 

PS: Whether you’ve gotten ‘hit over the head’ with a forced or necessary pause, like I did, or you took an intentional one, you’re ready to reevaluate your beliefs, thought patterns, personal and/or professional lifestyle and more.

Book your FREE Discovery session with me @www.gigiarnaud.com and let’s get you started………….on the way to your authentic and unique success, joy and contentment.