Hola Sober Sister Wisdom
I absolutely agree with the power of pausing. I need to make it a more conscientious and regular practice instead of waiting to use it when chaos breaks out. I'm going to try preemptive pauses. I also have to be careful not to confuse pausing with introspection. I'm finding emotional sobriety to be my daily challenge. -D.F.- Today’s lesson made me realize that if I can practice the pause in times of relative peace and quiet, it may be more accessible to me in times of stress. There are many moments throughout the day I can and sometimes already do pause - waiting for coffee, before driving, in between patients at work, 4pm no matter where I am. Stopping to take and notice a few breaths throughout the day is something I can and want to continue to practice mindfully. -H.M.- When I’m out for my walks sometimes, just listening to the birds and the wind rustling. I will put a few drops of lavender oil in the palms of my hands and inhale deeply, sit my bottom on the floor sitting cross legged, and use the 5 min timer to pause/mediate - Shana E.-
What would I miss out on if I gave up on my sobriety?
In the first weeks and months, FOMO was a huge part of the albatross I was dragging around. Now I am seeing the facts, the reality, and the after-effects more clearly. I am hyper-aware of all the negatives that I think of those first. I do not want the hangover, the lost memories, the regrets, and feeling shite. Instead, I’m feeling a bit sorry for what the others will be dealing with in the wake of their drinking. K.H. I have found that I have been finding it difficult to think through all of the “noise” around me lately and have been pausing to try to hear my inner guidance. I am learning that very few things have to be done right this minute and there is no reason to rush any decision. Pause and trust in an outcome that cannot yet be envisioned. Pause and trust. - Regina - Without pausing we can’t reflect. Life can go from calm to chaos in the blink of an eye. Practicing pause is essential for me. I have to be mindful and make it a priority. Purposeful breathing helps me to grab a moment of pause in my day. Pause plus reflection can lead to renewal. - K.H.
LIFE
This crazy, exhausting, challenging, beautiful thing is called life. And everything that comes with it. The overwhelming emotions that I can now feel deeply. Love, joy, compassion, empathy. Along with sadness, pain, and loss. I won’t give any of them up because they are LIFE. The awareness of the physical changes occurring in my body, growing healthfulness, and the natural processes of aging. I want them all because they are LIFE. Empowerment, strength, peace, and acceptance. I am who I am. I am here at this moment. I have value in this world. I am living my LIFE. - Regina - I am definitely using the pause to good effect in sobriety. I've mentioned before I think that I am able to pause and not blurt out my first thought and upset all around me. That tiny pause gives me the chance to digest what is said or done around me and prevent the shit show that the impulsive reaction would have resulted in, in the past. Pause, breath, pause, think, pause, speak (or not speak! - A.G.-
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