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Meta-Musing
There's Power in the Pause
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Blessings to You!
Vacations hold the potential for a time of rest and renewal. However, typically we just switch one type of hustle and bustle activity for another, and in the end, stress levels, emotional, mental and physical fatigue remain. In many cases the stress increases due to the disappointment of the vacation being over. Especially if no real relaxation occurred.
Years ago, the Coca-Cola company had a tag line, "The Pause that Refreshes." Is it possible to actually have a meaningful "pause that refreshes" in our day to day life and return refreshed? Yes it is. IF you are willing to follow a few simple, although not necessarily easy rules.
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Isaiah 40:31  But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint. |
Unity Wisdom
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Catch and release...fish lived to swim another day. :)
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Relaxation is the key to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.
Charles Roth, Unity Minister
Relaxation is not inaction. It is perfect poise in Spirit that enables one to crest the waves of life composed, serene, joyous, and unafraid.
Clara Palmer, Unity Minister
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In their purest sense, vacations are intended to be times when we "vacate" or leave our day-to-day activities to enjoy a time of rest and renewal. Many of us fail to see the true value and principle behind this "Divine Pause." Because of this, we do not reap its rewards.
The Universe was created with built-in cycles of activity, rest, and renewal. If we look at this from the microcosm of our own lives, we awaken in the morning, go through our daily activities, and go to bed, awakening refreshed and renewed. Whenever this cycle is "out of whack" we suffer from fatigue, clouded thinking and lack of focus.
Stepping back a little further; failing to take time away from our daily activities on a weekly, monthly AND annual basis increases stress and depletes our life-force. Unfortunately most of us do not really understand the meaning, importance and value of rest and renewal. After all, we are always telling ourselves we do not have time for it. That is an error thought of human consciousness.
So my friend, sit up, listen up. This is important. When God said, in the "Big 10," to "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy," it was not about God. It was about US. It was not about controlling us, rather giving us the key to living a happy, healthy and productive life, and a deeper, more meaningful relationship with our Creator. It is a call to a Divine Pause.
Taking the time to disconnect from the busyness and stress of our lives for a few minutes a day, one day a week, one or two weeks a year, will lead to peace, serenity and guidance on our Spiritual path. There is true power in the pause.
The power in the pause is not unlike the power of your remote control. We typically push the pause button to attend to personal needs, clear our minds, get something to eat, answer the phone, etc. The same thing is true in our lives. Pushing the "pause" button allows us to release stress, relax from pressures of daily life, and recharge our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual batteries.
Each step is critical. The "pause" must be complete. Taking any attachments to daily stress into our pause negates it's power. Putting an "away" message on our emails, and fully disconnecting from our daily responsibilities and routines, including TV habits allows us to release built up stress and tension. Oh...it won't feel like that at first. In fact, it can cause it's own stress, but hang in there and push that pause button.
The "relax" stage can only happen after the "release" stage. These things take time. And commitment. You cannot carry concerns into your relaxation time. Chances are the world will not end if you are not directing it. During relaxation, healing and restoration of our minds, bodies and emotions occurs. Our souls are refreshed and renewed.
Only after the "release" and "relax" stages have been completed, can the "recharge and refill" occur. This is not something we do. It is something Spirit; God does. It is like a "divine download." You will not realize it has happened until you return from your "pause," and find that you are filled with new excitement, energy and ideas.
Today, I invite you to experience the power in the pause. Start with daily time for prayer and meditation. This is not some "holier-than-thou" fancy words and supplication thing...just spend some time with God. Open your heart and mind, share your concerns and gratitude for the good things. Ask the questions weighing on your heart. Listen for the "still small voice" of divine guidance. Read something inspirational. Reflect on the good things you have in your life.
Weekly, attend the church of your choice. Again, it is important to break from your daily routine, and mingle with like-minded others. Of course I invite and encourage you to enjoy the Spirit of Unity video message I post on Sunday, but after you watch...after all it is only 15 minutes, go outside and breathe in some fresh air. Take a walk. No phone required.
Yearly, at least once a year, get away. But don't go on an activity-intense vacation that is like a sugar-rush, first lifting you up to dizzying heights, then dropping you like a rock. And a "Staycation" will not work if you spend it watching TV, checking email, trying to catch up on stuff from work and hanging out on Facebook. Put that all on pause.The key, is the power in the pause.
Peace. RevAli 
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Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the tips or deals. We can be reached at .
Sincerely,
Alicia Leslie
Spirit of Unity Church
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Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the tips or deals. We can be reached at .
Sincerely,
Alicia Leslie
Spirit of Unity Church
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