Come Home to the Body

“‘Pause and Sense’ [is a] practical body-mind experiment. This practice has been transformative for me. […] It’s about counteracting the tendency to live solely in the realm of thoughts, especially in situations where we’re physically present but mentally elsewhere, like when you’re waiting in a grocery store line. 

This practice involves pausing and tuning into the present moment, sensing what’s happening around and within you — observing what you see, hear, feel, taste, or even noticing thoughts without getting entangled in them. It’s a way of coming back home to the body, resting attention briefly on the senses. 

Initially, it might seem trivial, but with practice, it cultivates a deeper presence within yourself, minimizing the need to keep returning from mental distractions. I used to do this often when I lived in New York, taking a few minutes on the subway, just pausing and sensing. You can do it while doing mundane tasks like brushing your teeth or washing dishes — briefly pausing to bring awareness to the activity at hand. […]

I’ve been a practicing Quaker for about as long as I’ve been a dharma practitioner, and in both traditions there are sayings that point to trusting in the natural unfolding of life. Quakers have a saying, ‘way will open,’ and there’s an old Zen saying, ‘move, and the way will open.’ Both are statements of faith. This faith isn’t tied to specific beliefs; it’s more about faith in each step along the journey.”

— Amy Ward Brimmer
“Make a Choice and the Path Will Reveal Itself”

Today’s Invitation

Try out the “Pause and Sense” exercise today at a time when you are lost in thought. Stop and notice what you see, hear, feel, and taste to bring you back into your body.

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