“Half an hour’s meditation is essential except when you are very busy. Then a full hour is needed.”
~Francis de Sales

Recently I took a month off from work. I shut off my computer, cleaned up my office, forwarded my phone, let clients know I’d be away for a month, and stopped. My intention was to simply become more of a “human being” rather than a “human doing,” as well as to enjoy being a stay-at-home mom with my son’s last summer before kindergarten.

I will easily admit I had great fears about all the projects I was working on and how they would get done. Who would answer my emails? Who would be there for clients when they needed me? Who would bring in new business? Who would do all the many, many things that were necessary for me to accomplish every day?

We often are so busy and are operating at such a warp speed that the thought of stopping, or even slowing down for a pause, is scary. We’re caught up in what we have going on and somehow convinced that things will fall apart if we take time off. If we stop and smell the roses or quiet our mind and soul.

I can tell you that my month off was a gift and the best thing for me – and nothing fell apart in my business. Some projects were here waiting for me, none the worse for wear. Others were completed in my absence. Life went on, the business thrived, I gave myself (and my son) the greatest gift, and I came back with more clarity and energy than I had had in quite a long time. Now my goal is to remember that even in my most crazy, busy times (and perhaps especially in my most crazy, busy times) it will help me and all those around me if I stop and pause to let go and gain clarity – maybe for a moment and maybe for an hour.

Challenge yourself to take a break and clear your mind with meditation, a walk, time off, a deep breath. Take more time for this than you think you can and see what happens.

Are you too busy to slow down and pause for a moment or an hour? Are you really??? What’s the worst thing that could happen if you did? What’s the best?
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If you want support in slowing down and pausing, contact Lisa at lkohn@chatsworthconsulting.com.

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