We live in a world that rewards quick action, instant solutions, and the ability to fix things right now. The moment a problem arises, whether it’s a stressful email, a tricky conversation, or a sudden change in plans, our instinct is to jump in and solve it.
But what if the best response in that moment isn’t action at all? What if the most
powerful thing we could do is … pause?
We often underestimate the value of a purposeful pause and this is something that I am practising. Taking a moment to step back doesn’t mean ignoring the situation or being inactive, it means giving yourself space to breathe, process and respond with clarity rather than react in haste.
Just as with Pilates, we don’t rush through movements, we breathe, we engage, we move with intention. The same principle can be
applied to life. If we allow ourselves a moment before taking action, we create an opportunity to choose a more thoughtful, effective path forward.
Do you feel the urge to fix everything? I’ve been in the situation when I’ve made decisions in a rush because I feel I should, or I’ve jumped in to help someone even before they have asked. It’s an instant urge to act, but it’s not always helpful. Sometimes the best thing we can do is take a breath and sit with the discomfort of
NOT fixing something immediately.
The purposeful pause can give us:
- a clearer perspective
- a chance to notice our emotions before they drive our response
- a better understanding of what’s actually needed (rather than what we assume is needed).
Over the last week I have been talking about breath and the power of the breath. Well when we pause, we can use our breath as an anchor, a way to ground ourselves before choosing the next
step. By using simple breathing exercises we make a small shift and create a space between the issue and the response, and that space allows clarity to emerge.
There’s a big connection between the purposeful pause and Pilates. Pilates teaches us to move with intention. Before we lift a leg, roll down, extend an arm, we engage, breathe and then move. It’s never about rushing, it’s about control and awareness. If we apply this same
principle to our daily lives, we begin to respond with more confidence and calmness, rather than being pulled into automatic reactions.
So, this week, I invite you to notice the moments where you feel the pull to react quickly. What happens if you take a purposeful pause instead? Try it and see what shifts happen when you give yourself the gift of space before action.
The Purposeful Pause — finding clarity before action.
Have a
great week folks, keep looking, moving and feeling good.
With love
Jane xx
