Acknowledge, Pause, Relax

Acknowledge, Pause, Relax 

• Acknowledge that you’re hooked (with humour, if possible)
• Pause, take three conscious breaths, and lean in to the energy (with kindness, if possible)
• Relax, and move on.

Pema Chödrön : Taking the Leap

How often, during one single day, do you get hooked…? You know, that feeling when you tense up because you hear, see, or otherwise experience something that disturbs your circles. Suddenly you’re hooked, and a whole series of negative thoughts kick in.

If you are able to break that chain of negativity, you get off the hook. If not, who knows what regrettable thoughts or actions may be the result. Breaking the chain of negativity is easy, but it needs some practice.

This practice is called “stopping”, and I do it as often as it comes to my mind during the day. That way, once I’m actually hooked, chances are bigger that I remember it.

Pema Chödrön’s teaching is very simple. The main thing is to notice that you’re hooked. That is the Acknowledge part. Then, for just a moment or two, Pause and contact whatever you are feeling right now. Take three deep, conscious breaths. Finally you Relax, and move on.

Could it be this week’s challenge to practice stopping whenever you remember it (whatever you’re doing right then)…?