So, picture this: there’s this guy, let’s call him Cam, and life’s got Cam all burnt out. Thankfully, his boy, Devon throws him an anchor — a link to a lil blog that focuses on science-backed wellness practices. You may have heard of it. It’s called noelclark.com, and let me tell you, this blog has got all the sauce and secrets to spiritual wellness 😉
Now, Cam’s a skeptical guy, but he decides to give it a shot because he figures, “Pourquoi Pas? Why not?”
He starts by grabbing some sheets of scrap paper and a few “Om’s,” but all he can think about is his leftover pizza from the the night before. Instead of hearing mindful breathing, as the blog suggested in one of their posts, Devon just hears Mark complaining about how he hates writing in a journal. Something about it feeling too close to school work. Devon lets out a deep sigh and inhales a mantra of patience: “We’re All Works In Progress.“
Cam is convinced he needs to get out and around people and suggests they hit the gym. After all, “physical activity has been scientifically proven to strengthen the immune system, lower the risk of chronic diseases, and improve overall physical vitality,” Cam says as he reads the blog off his phone while switching between the blog and his social media apps. “Like, Like, Swipe, Like” — the symphony of restless phone syndrome fills the air
At the gym, Mark attempts to work-out, but is distracted by a few females. His focus has shifted from strengthening his immune system to strengthening his cool points. He begins erratically lifting weights and bench pressing while trying to look cool enough to impress a few cuties taking selfies. He gets a few smiles, but decides pretending to enjoy this just to impress a few ladies isn’t worth it, and decides to take a break.
He goes outside and finds a bench he actually does enjoy, a wooden one with a back that calls out to him to rest.
He sits and pauses. With his phone locked away in some gym locker, Cam is finally still enough to be present in the moment. He listens to the birds chirping in rhythm, he notices his breathing pattern slow, and he watches school children shuffle out of their building and onto the playground. He begins reflecting on his own childhood, the moment offers some really dope deep reflections, but mostly he can’t get over rejecting on how good his school cafeteria pizza used to be — and suddenly life, in that moment, life doesn’t feel so overwhelming.
And you know what? That’s self-care, my soul tribe. It’s not always about sitting cross-legged like Russell Simmons or in writing your most deep thoughts, like your Deepak Chopra. Sometimes, it’s just the pause.
So keep Cam in mind, and remember the power of pauses… because even in a pause, “At Least You’re Doing Something.” (Bonus points to whoever knows where this line is from!)
Find a seat and let your pause be productively still.
CAM‘s Self-Care Tips:
- C: Create A Routine: Go for the things that feel good to you, not just the things that look and sound cool.
- A: Appreciate Nature: Taking a break in nature allows you to disconnect from the pressures of daily life and pay attention to the wonders that surround you.
- M: Mindful Breathing: The simple act of mindful breathing can help calm your nerves– and nervous system!
