Listen to this Blog
The power of pause is a simple yet deeply challenging practice that teaches you how to respond to emotional triggers without losing your inner peace.
What Is the Power of Pause?
This is a powerful act of non-reacting when you are triggered by someone.
In this context you might think instantly, “So you mean I will have to be quiet for some time when another person is cursing me?”
The answer to it is YES! So, let me be honest, it is not simple. In my clinical experience I have come across this particular exercise very difficult to practice by all ages.
Why This Exercise Is Difficult
Let me explain, there is often a strong urge for a person to react back either by speaking something offensive or be defensive by holding a grudge and doing something to create a strong reaction to the other person.
But the truth remains, we in our daily life come across so many people being rude to us with their anger, stress or psychosis all we need to do is pause and not react to their anger.
For a moment think, it is easy to give away your peace in their anger but is it worth it? Does it help?
How to Practice the Power of Pause
Now let me explain how to do this exercise, let’s start with a simple example, say someone you come across who is angry with red eyes, high pitch of their voice at you, all you need to do is lower you gaze and either walk away from them or count in your mind 1 to 10 and again in reverse 10 to 1 while keep breathing mindfully.
Do not reply, talk back, remember the other person is triggering you to react but you are not a puppet in their hands so you will hold your own reactions and will walk away for some time.
If the other person wants you to respond right away, tell them you will return back to them when you are ready to communicate.
Using the Body During Emotional Triggers
During this time of emotional triggers, you need to focus on your breath, walk away, or if you choose to stand there and face the situation, in your mind focus on the body part which is heavily getting affected by the anger of the other person.
For example, your heart is pounding or you feel like shouting or you feel dizzy. Just put your hand there , like on your heart and slowly tap, or your throat and tap instead of shouting and breathing…count 1 to 10 and reverse 10 to 1 try to walk away or remove yourself from the situation until you are in a state of response rather than react.
Purpose of This Exercise
This exercise is to face day to day life struggles of emotional triggers, when you need to hold on and pause and claim your power by not reacting but by responding by keeping quiet or walking away.
Important Safety Note
Important Note: It is important to mention here if someone is abusive or if they want to harm you and you feel to harm yourself, please call 911 right away and also this exercise is not applicable for any abusive or harm situations.