Regulating Nervous Systems Through Pausing and Slowing Down

"I find too often we just go from one thing to the next without pausing to integrate along the way. " Lisa Dion

The constant rush of daily life often leaves little time for introspection although there is a hum of conversation on social media to make resolutions and set goals for the new year. I read a blog by Lisa Dion the other day where she articulated the importance of what she called 'conscious endings'. This inspired to be to think about how many times I don't take a moment to breath before jumping back into the rush of my own checklist.

This blog post is an invitation for you and I to practice pausing to gather stories gratitude, growth and resilience. To pause and as Lisa Dion suggests, consciously honour the transformation of each experience passing. . This is me, enjoying a quiet and calm moment with starfish at the age of four before the pressure of busy expectations, social media and school.

Pausing

In our fast-paced world, self-care and mental health have gained attention, yet many people (including myself and many clients I work with) overlook the simple act of taking a break. A pause allows you to reclaim your space—both physically and mentally. It encourages you to reflect on your current situation and approach the new year fully embodying the experiences of the past year.

For me, it is difficult to slow down with the rush around me to fill my calendar, reach out to clients and begin to plan more memories with my family and friends. My nervous system moves a little too quickly to the next step forgetting to pause enough to breathe in all the gorgeous moments - including the one I am in.

In her writing, Lisa Dion suggests a letter of gratitude to the experiences of the past considering even the hard parts and what we learned from them. This, she writes is how we can honour our experiences and find the strength and beauty even in the hard and uncomfortable places. For me, I continue to get stuck in forgetting to take time to pause and to honour and CELEBRATE where I have been.

Grounding Practices for Stillness There are effective ways to embrace stillness, and different techniques resonate with different people. Here are some grounding practices I personally use:

Mindful Breathing

Mindful breathing is a simple and powerful tool to anchor yourself in the present. This practice helps clarify your mind and enhances overall focus. For me, this is difficult to do by myself. I need the structure of another voice. I use an at home program from my local yoga studio to integrate breathing into my daily life. Here is their website: https://yyoga.ca/bc/yyoga-at-home/

Yoga Nidra

I discovered Yoga Nidra when I was struggling with sleep issues. I've suggested it to numerous clients and friends as a method to tune into your body's sensations and decelerate amidst life's hustle. Ayla Nova is INCREDIBLE and has recently launched a collection of daily 20-minute meditations leading up to the winter solstice. Check out her website: https://www.aylanova.com/

Immersing Yourself in Nature

Immersing yourself in nature can greatly benefit your mental and physical health. Whether it’s a stroll in the park, a hike in the woods, or sitting beneath a tree, nature can inherently ground us and uplift our spirits. Such moments foster a deeper connection with both yourself and the world around you. Sometimes for me I have to provide myself with that little push through the tension of my inner "NO WAY". I have been working through this by participating in community and solo cold plunges. Being with myself in the discomfort and feeling into the apprehension and cold has supported my nervous system and reduced my reactive instinct to go go go.

Crafting Your Restory and Welcoming New Beginnings

As the year concludes, you may feel moments of doubt or uncertainty. It’s natural to reflect, but remember you have the power to rewrite your narrative. This “restory” process allows you to take control of your life story, shaping what comes next. Think about the lessons learned over the past year; use them as stepping stones. The stories we tell ourselves tend to be repetitive. What stories do you want to hold onto and what stories do not support you anymore?

With the new year on the horizon, In invite you to embrace the opportunities it offers. As you let go of the past, open your mind and heart to what lies ahead. (I know how hard this is!) Shifting your mindset to celebrate the past can be liberating, encouraging as you approach 2025.

As the new year draws near, embrace the strength found in stillness and reflection. Thoughtfully celebrate your transitions and greet your upcoming adventures with enthusiasm! Each ending holds the promise of a fresh start. Embark on this journey with a heart full of hope, an open mind, and a spirit ready to explore what the future holds. Allow this pause to be not just an end but a transformative step toward achieving your fullest potential in the new year.

Today, I will be reflecting into all the little moments and memories of this past year. What can I celebrate? What will I learn from? Where was I compassionate? When did I have resiliency? Who were the people who were present and there with me? When was there space to breathe?

When did I take a pause and how will I do this more in the new year?