As if the almost two years living with Covid wasn’t enough to make one pause, stop, listen and look, the Universe decided to give me an extra ‘hint’….. another joint surgery (second knee replacement). All I have to say is thank goodness we have only two knees. Why do I say this was a ‘hint’? I could also say that the Universe is trying to give me direction, lead me or is just banging me over my thick head, until I learn the lesson--------the need to pause (in a purposeful way, not a pushed or forced way). I’m not complaining here or speaking with a ‘victim’s’ voice. I’m just citing some information and knowledge that I’ve been privy to (as we all are) for decades but only recently, began to pay close attention to.

Some of us are made to pay attention; we get sick, need surgeries, have chronic illness, anxiety, depression…..and so much more. This is what I call the ‘pushed’ or ‘no choice’ pause. These are not typically pleasant but, when we pay attention, listen and then, take appropriate action, can help us to change our route or direction, as needed by our spirit or soul. The purposeful or intentional pause is much nicer. You decide to go away on vacation or have a staycation or take a few days off just to walk/hike/paint/write/dance-------whatever floats your boat. This is good for your body; it has time to rest, relax and recharge. It’s also good for your mind; it understands that self-care is a priority for you, as it should be. Your spirit and soul also revel in this time-off. Without a break, how will your authentic inner voice ever find a way to ‘talk’ and connect with you? You need to stop, breathe and ‘listen’ for it, in whichever way you prefer: a hike in nature, meditation, visualization, hypnosis, journaling…... You need to be with yourself, in silence of some sort. Although this is becoming more and more challenging in our present world, it can be done. It may mean taking 5-10 minutes after your morning routine, to just sit, let your mind wander and breathe (or at night or any time you prefer). Or it may mean taking a walk outside by yourself, preferably in nature or dancing freely in your home…………

It’s not that surprising that we’ve stopped or forgotten how to take healthy and much-needed breaks or pauses, in our current American go, go, go culture. Social media and high-speed communication make it even harder to relax this fast pace most of us live in. Our work companies and colleagues are often expecting us to be on alert, 24/7. Do you know what happens to your nervous system when it’s constantly on high alert or hypervigilant (as is the case with many of us)? You burn out! Physically, there is an almost constant anxiety which can cause exhaustion. Your adrenal glands get tired out and you live on willpower, nervous energy and loads and loads of coffee. Not that coffee’s all bad; I love it. But you don’t want to drink it for survival------let it be for love. Other symptoms of a hyperaroused or hypervigilant nervous system include: a high and extremely sensitive responsiveness to and a constant scanning of the environment to search for sights, sounds, smells, people and behaviors or anything else that reminds you of threat, activity or trauma. Basically, your ‘fight or flight’ response (part of your sympathetic nervous sytem) is activated all the time.

This was a good thing when we were living in caves and fighting off sabre-toothed tigers. This kept us on our toes, and vigilant to any incoming threat or danger. Now; it essentially feels like a tiger will be attacking you at any moment--------and all the time. Over time, this extreme stress on your body will cause health problems, whether they be of body, mind and/or spirit.

It has taken me way too long------decades-------to understand that it is imperative, even vital to my well-being (and for those around me) to learn to take intentional or purposeful pauses. I’ve always done this when it comes to vacation. I’m a world traveler and believe in vacations. For me, it’s essential to remove myself from my regular habitat and go somewhere else………My parents were both from Paris, France and I learned from them and my family there, that pausing, relaxing, eating well, resting well and having fun, were all essential to a productive, healthy and happy life. I continued this habit of time off, throughout my life. Even when my son was quite young, I took him traveling around the country and the world; once in the winter and once during his summer vacation time. It not only allowed him and I to discover other cultures, countries and ways of living but most important, it allowed both of us to PAUSE, he from school and me, from my work and regular routine.

PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL BALANCE:

Now that I’m no longer a dentist but I do have an online practice (mindset life coach NYC, trauma healing and hypnosis; speaker), I’ve had to become more intentional about when I work, when I stop, and the clear boundaries between work life and personal life, etc.? With Covid, often our homes have doubled as our workplaces and making intentional separations and pauses between our personal and professional life, have become more and more important.

We each do it differently. For me, when I’ve finished with coaching/hypnosis clients; writing (Executive Contributor for Brainz online magazine) and weekly blogs and posts, I close my laptop and breathe to say goodbye to my work day. A demain (until tomorrow). I’ll often take the time to move/exercise, to catch up with friends/family and to paint, which I love and which puts me ‘in the flow.’ Make sure that your separation between the personal and professional is physical, as well as mental and emotional. You can use a mantra; a prayer; blowing out a candle, pivoting to something creative----whatever signifies to you the end of the work day. You deserve it!

So, even with Covid and all of its accompanying challenges, you can find your way to take intentional or purposeful pauses; throughout your day, your month, your year……… It’s worth it, for you and for those you love!

Why PAUSE?

1)Relax and Rest

2)Refresh and Rejuvenate

3)Recharge

4)Reevaluate

Then, my friends, you’re ready to take action……

In next week’s blog post, I’ll fill you in on some of my reflections and the ideas and inspirations that have come to me, while taking this necessary pause…………….

With smiles and love,

Dr Gigi

PS: Book your FREE discovery session @ www.gigiarnaud.com when you’re ready to recharge, reevaluate and take Action towards your new life, or your new chapter…………I can’t wait to meet you!