The Power to Pause

As a subscriber to The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) I have the opportunity to listen to teleclasses. “The Power of the Pause,” Presenter David Giwerc was a recent Teleclass. “Learning to pause is the difference between reacting impulsively and responding rationally. Pausing is a disciplined skill which can significantly improve your emotional intelligence and your ability to regulate your emotions.”

Here are my takeaways:

• Did you know that the brain needs 25% of the oxygen we take in? Most people don’t breathe deeply enough to get that.

• 1/3 of the population can’t identify an emotion in the moment.

• Like velcro, the brain goes to negative thoughts and the negative stays in the brain longer than positive.

• The pause ignites the executive functions in our brain, helping us to make better decisions. (and organize!)

• Rather than the common “build self-esteem”, David suggests that we practice “self compassion.”  Love it!