Embracing the Pause: Building Awareness and Breaking Free from Thought Triggers
“The key to freedom lies not in fighting our thoughts but in embracing the understanding that we are the thinkers of them. Pause, let go of resistance, and through awareness, watch as thought triggers lose their power over us.” – Sydney Banks
Our thoughts can have immense power over our emotions and how we experience the world.
Sometimes our thoughts can feel so overwhelming that they consume us and make it difficult to discern what is actual versus imagined.
Our Physiology and Nervous System
The truth is our thoughts are not always an accurate representation of reality, and while they may feel real, what we are feeling is the impact they have on our physiology.
Our nervous system plays a significant role in how our thoughts affect us.
When we experience worrying or stressful thoughts, the sympathetic nervous system activates our “fight or flight” response, releasing adrenaline and cortisol into our bloodstream.
Our Brain and Real or Imagined Threats
This evolutionary response helped keep our ancestors alive in times of danger and conflict, but in modern times, it can lead to chronic stress and anxiety.
The problem is, our brain can’t differentiate between a real or imagined threat, which means that even when we’re worrying about something that may never happen, our body still reacts as if it’s happening in the moment.
This is why our thoughts can be incredibly powerful, even if they’re not based in reality.
Being Conscious of Our Thoughts
How can we break free from thought triggers and cultivate greater daily awareness? It all begins with the simple act of pausing and consciously directing our attention.
Establishing a practice of awareness involves deliberately taking breaks throughout the day to disengage from the mental noise and centre our focus on the present moment.
When we find ourselves trapped in excessive thinking, we are no longer genuinely experiencing reality. Instead, we dwell in a realm of imagination and projection, leading to unnecessary stress and anxiety.
However, by embracing the power of awareness, we can establish a stronger connection with the reality of our present circumstances.
One effective method to foster this awareness is pausing, allowing us to gather our senses and fully engage in the present moment.
The Art of Pausing
P – Presence, take a slow, deep breath to regain awareness and detach from where your thoughts have led you.
A – Allow your physical sensations to settle as your mind starts to calm down.
U – Untangle yourself from the troubling thoughts or narratives entwined in your consciousness.
S – Surrender to the stillness, gradually sinking deeper into the quiet space of innate silence and tranquility.
E – Embrace every aspect of yourself—strengths, fears, and vulnerabilities—by indulging in self-compassion, self-love, and a deeper understanding of the human mind.
Disconnecting from our thoughts
Embracing the pause and giving ourselves permission to step back and disconnect from our thoughts can help create a sense of space between ourselves and our minds.
In that space, we can observe our thoughts and emotions without getting caught up.
As we build awareness through the power of pausing, we can begin to break free from thought triggers and cultivate a greater sense of calm and clarity in our daily lives.
We can learn to recognise the impact our thoughts have on our physiology and take intentional steps to shift our focus and break free from patterns of negative thinking.
Embracing the PAUSE
The power of pausing allows us to cultivate greater awareness and break free from thought triggers that can negatively impact our lives.
By giving ourselves the space and time to observe our thoughts without getting caught up, we can create a greater sense of calm and clarity, leading to a more fulfilling and present life.
You can learn more about the art of pausing by clicking here.
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Warmest wishes,
Angela
Namaste- I honour the place in you in which the entire universe resides. I honour the place in you, of love, of light, of truth, and peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us.