The action of no action and the power of pause

In Indigenous culture, the second winter period, Djilba, typically spans the months of August to September, and is often referred to as the ‘season of conception’. The days start to warm up and the first of the newborns emerge with their parents and learn foraging skills.

While winter can be a time to withdraw, take stock after a busy year, slow down, rest and recuperate. Spring on the other hand can be a time of growth, change and new experiences. As we engage with this, it is important to manage our energy, resiliency and enthusiasm.

When we get busy and distracted, it can be hard to notice what is happening to ourselves and others. We may become disconnected from everyday experiences, fail to notice what we need or what this emerging situation might require. It is hard to manage what we do not notice such as when we are feeling ‘full steam ahead’ or ‘in the groove’.

This illustrates how sometimes doing less can help you achieve more. When we pause, slow down, remember to breathe and notice what is happening in us and around us – we can then regroup and re-engage in ways that are more sustainable and productive.

Sometimes when we allow ourselves to slow down and be present, the mind often likes to interrupt through our thoughts, interpretation, and judgement – inviting us to get busy again. Learning how to notice, relax, let it go, and be fully present with yourself in the moment, even if only briefly, is a valuable lesson. 

We might think of this as getting out of autopilot and sitting back in the cockpit before we take control. When we are in control, we avoid being triggered or reacting and instead be able to pause and respond with awareness. This process is not a passive, but an active intervention that requires effort and practice over time. 

Psychotherapist Michael Stone shares, “Whenever there is a moment of non-reactivity, this is a moment of action. This is the action of non-action”. He encourages us to work on “the cultivation of stillness when habit pulls you into its familiar arms”.

Having a simple strategy can help ground your thoughts. When you are stressed or busy try following this simple practice: 

Stop 
Take a pause. 

Breathe 
Remember to take breath. 

Check in 
Reflect on your thoughts, feelings, sensations and behaviours. 

Allow 
Sit with your experience, acknowledge that it’s going to be ok. 

Don’t judge yourself 

Be curious 
Connect with your needs, values and identify what will help. 

Respond 
Respond instead of reacting. As often shared in Buddhist practice, “When nothing will help, do nothing”. It is a typical humorous saying that invites us into acceptance and better self-care.

Reference: The Inner Tradition of Yoga (2018), Michael Stone.