Questions

Yesterday, a client shared with me that she was receiving clear messages from her body and mind that she was pushing herself too hard – that everything inside of her screamed ‘don’t log back on to your computer after dinner, you can’t handle any more work.’ When I asked her about her response to those messages, she said “I usually just push through it.” There are so many noble warriors out there, suppressing their own thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. ?I suspect part of the reason we do this (or at least, one of the reasons why I have done this) is because we are afraid to hear the questions, and we are afraid of the implications of the answers to those questions. For example, at the Leadership Embodiment course I participated in last week, I made a commitment to living a ‘slower, more connected life’. While this might sound nice, the changes I will have to make to align myself with this commitment are big: I will have to make trade-offs, say no, and wean myself off distractions. And yet, the questions coming up for me are there – and, as David Whyte puts in this week’s poem, have no right to go away.

My invitation to you this weekend is to move carefully this weekend, notice what questions arise within you, and acknowledge and contemplate them. They are your key to happiness.

About Friday Pauses

We are lacking presence in today’s business world. Multi-tasking is the norm, and our minds are constantly elsewhere. We can all sense how our lack of presence affects the quality of our relationships, our ability to form real connections – and yet we struggle to set aside the distractions. In my Friday Pauses, I want to encourage us all to do just that – pause for a moment and feel what it’s like to be present by reading a poem.

Here’s what I suggest:

• Minimize or close other screens.
• Put your phone on silent.
• Close your eyes and take a full breath in…and out. Maybe count to four on the inhale and again on the exhale.
• Read the poem below – out loud, if you can. It will slow you down and help you feel the words more.
• Take another deep breath in and out.
• Resume your day ?? And please feel free to share any reflections in the comments!