Where to Begin

A 90 Second Pause

The practice of pausing is as old as time. And for good reason! When we slow ourselves down enough to notice our emotional and physical reactions and choose how we respond, we open ourselves up to more capacity within and around us.

In fact, scientists have noted that it takes 90 seconds for the brain to chemically process an emotion, so anything we feel after a 90 second pause is our choice. We can choose to feel/behave a certain way… and we can choose not to.

And so we recommend always beginning with a pause. Whether starting a meeting, reacting to a comment that threw you for a loop, or digesting input before providing a response… a 90 second pause sets the stage for an intentionality that benefits all involved. 

A pause could include taking a moment to stretch, practice mindful breathing, sit quietly, or go for a walk. It could mean reading a poem, or sharing an inspiring passage or a quote and reflecting on it. Whatever suits each of you as individuals (we don't all need to pause in the same way!).