Have you ever noticed how water can naturally filter and separate all the dirt from rocks? After weeks of continuous rain, wind, and gloomy weather, the backyard was a mess. To clean it up, my dad asked me and my sister for help and gave us a bucket. We were in a hurry to finish the task, so we grabbed a hose and sprayed the pile of rocks. Although it seemed clean on the surface, the dirt was still there underneath. Our dad then reminded us to use the bucket instead. We filled it with clean water and put the rocks inside. After waiting for some time, the dirt separated from the rocks, and we could easily drain the dirty water.

Just like the rocks in the water, our minds and bodies can become clogged with the “dirt” of everyday life: stress, worry, anxiety, and the never-ending to-do list. We become so consumed in our daily routine that we never give ourselves the proper time to step back and allow ourselves to breathe and rest. This is where the importance of pausing helps us.

When we pause, we give ourselves the time needed to reflect and recharge. During this time, our mind and body can have the stillness to cleanse themselves of all the unwanted things we have accumulated throughout the day. However, just like the rocks in the water, this cleansing process takes time and cannot be rushed or forced. We must allow ourselves to give the body and mind the space and time it needs to let the “dirt” clear away, leaving behind a more peaceful and cleaner mind and body.

Unfortunately, in our fast-paced world, taking a pause can seem like a luxury we cannot afford. Living in Silicon Valley, we are constantlybombarded with messages about productivity and efficiency. We are told that we must always be doing something and keeping the mind active. We are told that any moment of stillness or relaxation wastes time. However, this mindset and ideology are harmful not only to ourselves but also those around us, as we are constantly irritated and frustrated with life. If we do not take the time needed to pause and recharge, we risk burning out and losing touch with our true selves.

It is also important to note that not all methods of pausing are the same. Mindlessly scrolling on social media, binge-watching TV for endless hours, or playing video games is not the type of pause that will lead to a cleaner mind and body. Instead, we must be intentional about the method of pausing we chose to do. Whether it is taking a walk outside in the fresh air, meditating, practicing yoga, breathing exercise, or just sitting in silence and calming the mind, we must choose activities that allow us to connect with our inner selves and the world around us.

This metaphor of rocks in water helps us remember the importance of taking a pause in our fast-paced daily lives. Just like the water needs time to clean the rocks, we need to give ourselves the same amount of time to clean our minds and bodies of all the “dirt” that accumulates over time. By embracing intentional pauses, we can gather a sense of peace and clarity that allows us to navigate life’s challenges more easily.

On that note, I want to say thanks to all of you guys, as writing and talking with each and every one of you is my way of bringing stillness into my life. And thanks for always helping me bring my life into focus.