Intentional Pausing
The Space Between Action
We have to be intentional. We have to be rebellious. To go against the grain. In doing so, we create a sacred act.
We pause the desire. To give us the opportunity to reflect if the desire is serving us.
This intentional pause is a direct focus inward.
It’s hard to be intentional at times. You may not want to. You may be distracted. You may be busy. All of these reasons are why being intentional is necessary.
You are giving yourself this pause. You are giving everyone else this pause.
Intentional pausing is a gift.
When I’m walking in nature, there are times I want to have an intentional focus with going deeper in my surroundings. First I’m taking in the whole area. Then I’m pausing to search. I kneel down and get closer to the plants or rocks on the ground. I turn my phone into macro mode and then I begin to explore. I move the camera through the space. I watch the screen to see what’s happening. I’m seeing things I wouldn’t see if I was just casually walking by.
The photo I shared at the top of the essay was taken on one of these walks. Using my Canon 5DIV and a Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens for Canon EF, I came across a spider’s web and thousands of tiny water droplets were caught in the web. There’s one droplet that stands out to me and looks as though I’m peering into a different universe.
Moments like these of being intentional to pause and go deeper are opportunities. To be focused. To be present. This is the cup being filled. This is the battery being charged. This is your soul being nourished.
Practice Intentional Pausing
Close your eyes
Focus your attention on your breath
Take 3 long deep breaths
Take a moment to appreciate this time you just gave yourself
Reasons to Practice:
"When scrolling through tutorial videos becomes endless, intentional pausing helps break the cycle of information overload.”
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This powerful tool is also a powerful distraction. We have access to an infinite amount of information always within reach. How many times can you sit back and recall after using your phone for a few minutes you wonder “what the hell just happened?” You get lost in the scrolling.
"Pausing creates space to examine discipline and choice-making, allowing for more aligned decisions."
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"During times of uncertainty about future projects, intentional pausing transforms anxiety into strategic clarity."
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"Intentional pausing requires the discipline to resist our cultural addiction to constant motion and productivity."
