Is This Moment to Be Believed?

“1920! Is it to be believed?” – the Dowager Countess on Downtown Abbey,* commenting on the new year. She, who had her prime in the 1800s, seemed amazed at another decade in a new century.

Every year – in deed, every day – can hold the same wonder if we pause our electronic slave masters long enough to reflect.  Even a busy person can pause occasionally to see what might be missed if they push past it too quickly.

Some random moments when anyone can hit the pause button:

-        Early mornings, before the kids wake up

-        At night, after the kids go to sleep (as opposed to “go to bed,” a major distinction)

-        A quiet moment with a cup in your hand, sitting alone

-        Looking out the window for a moment, even at work

Allow your mind to pause and reflect. It might only be half a minute but, with practice, it becomes a moment of connection and with hardly an effort.

What we connect with can be open to interpretation.

We get hints about moments that matter. A slight natural pause, almost as if the psyche is saying, “What?” as it turns to look at something. A sunset that catches our attention. Noticing the change of seasons as we walk to our car. A green sprout in the concrete. A tug of the heart, a piece of a solution we need for work, realizing we repeated a mistake…you will recognize your own moments.

You will move past the moment and tend to your duties, but you will be different.

The surprising thing is it doesn’t “just” relieve stress (but wouldn’t that be great?). It connects you – even momentarily – to your authentic self.

Going forward and being busy again is different now because you are different. Potentially, you will be bringing your best to the next task. Our authentic self is always our best self.

I am not just recommending a way to relieve stress, be authentic, and move forward with your best self.  I am talking about the survival of your very being. The core that needs nourishing, The “self.” You.

It might be one of the most important ways in which we take care of our Self.

*Created by Julian Fellowes