Pause & Reflect: Old Wisdom for Today’s Fast Life

Life today is very busy.

Courtesy: Wix Media

We wake up to notifications, run through the day with endless tasks, and often go to sleep still thinking about what’s next. Even when we’re getting things done, we may feel tired, stressed, or disconnected.

But recently, I’ve learned something simple that’s helped me a lot: Just pause. And reflect. The latest example of applying this wisdom for me was yesterday, when I was having a disturbed day due to certain decisions I had to take that were to impact a few employees' careers, but I couldn't help due to business needs.

While I applied a few of the below practices, it didn't give me answers, but it helped me in stabilising myself and calming my nerves, which ensured I took the right decisions.

We’re Always Doing

We live in a world that rewards doing more. But in the middle of all this “doing,” we forget how to just be.

I used to move from one thing to another without stopping. It felt normal. Until one day, I asked myself:

"Why do I feel so tired even when I’m doing all the right things?"

That’s when I started taking small pauses during the day—just a few seconds. And it changed something inside me.

Answers from the Past

When I paused, I didn’t find new answers. I found old ones—simple, spiritual truths we often forget in our busy lives.

• Take deep breaths

• Sit in silence

• Let go of what’s not in your control

• Be kind to yourself

• Listen to your heart

These are not new ideas. They’re old, gentle reminders that have worked for generations.

Try This Today: 1-Minute Pause in today's Fast Life

Here’s a small exercise I use when I feel overwhelmed:

1. Sit quietly.

2. Close your eyes.

3. Take three slow, deep breaths.

4. Put your hand on your heart.

5. Ask yourself: “What do I need right now?”

You don’t need to solve anything. Just notice what your heart says. This small moment brings a sense of peace.

Let’s Not Forget What Matters

Pausing is not wasting time. It’s how we return to ourselves. It helps us remember that we are more than our work, our tasks, or our screens.

When we pause, we reconnect—with our breath, our thoughts, and something deeper inside us.

Final Thought

Modern life moves fast. But the answers we need don’t always come from doing more. Sometimes, they come from doing less.

So today, I invite you to pause. Even if it’s just for one minute.

Breathe. Reflect. Reconnect. That might be all your mind and heart need right now.

Want more such peaceful practices? Follow Balance Nirvana and join our journey of small, mindful habits that help us live better.