| An Unintentional Sacred Pause Dropping my phone in the toilet was an unexpected event that turned into a profound lesson in simplicity and mindfulness. Initially, panic set in as I imagined life without my contacts and the thousands of pictures that had taken a dunk. After about 15 minutes, I calmed down and researched what to do with my phone…the answer…put it in silica gel for two days. After the first hour phoneless, I sank into the rhythm of the day. I recalled spending the entire summer at the cottage in Maine without a phone. Every ten days, my gramp took me to the only corner store to use the pay phone and check in with my family in Florida. There was no phone to be missed at our lake house.When day two arrived, I found the quiet spaciousness delicious. The jagged impulse and hypervigilance to check my text and inbox were gone. I decided to go phoneless for two more days, not even curious if my phone would reboot. This unplanned pause was a revelation, highlighting the importance of stepping back from the constant buzz of notifications and distractions.In this newfound silence, creativity blossomed in unexpected ways. The absence of a screen allowed my mind to wander freely, sparking ideas and insights that were usually interrupted by phone checking. This sacred pause felt so healthy and nurturing, offering a space for reflection and rejuvenation. In a world that often demands our constant attention, that we so freely give, this experience was a gentle reminder of the beauty and clarity that can be found in moments of intentional disconnection.Does a sacred pause sound inviting? The idea of four days might sound daunting, but what about turning your phone off for an hour and simply observing your thoughts, feelings, and impulses? There is a wealth of information to be gained from ‘stepping back’ and observing, without judgment, our internal dialogue. It’s beyond our impulses and engagement in our constant inner dialogue that we discover peace, spaciousness, and happiness reside. 1 Practice to Tune into Your BodyClose your eyes and take a deep breath. Focus on each part of your body from head to toe, releasing any tension with each exhale, and feel the stillness and peace within as you pause. 2 Shifts to Observe the Mind…with curiosity and an open heartGratitude Pause: Take a moment to pause, look around, and silently acknowledge three things for which you are grateful, allowing this gratitude to bring calm and clarity to your mind.Nature Connection: Step outside and spend a minute observing the natural world around you, whether it’s the rustling leaves or the sound of birds, allowing nature’s rhythm to ground and refresh your mind. 3 Quotes and a Question to Awaken the Soul“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott (How apropos for our topic…lol)”Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” — Hermann Hesse”Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” — Etty HillesumAnd drumroll…the QuestionWhat is one thing you can let go of today to create a moment of peace and openness in your schedule? The easiest way to reach me is artbyelayne@gmail.com. FIY…I am filming today and have a micro-course coming out soon – Empowerment Cards – Artful Affirmation Reminders to Release Limiting Thoughts and Behaviors. I’ll keep you posted. Big love to all of you. Thanks so much for being here, e’Layne To buy my #1 Amazon Bestselling book, click on the picture of my book below. It has lots of exercises to quiet the mind of the loud-mouthed naysayers. If you’ve purchased my book and haven’t left a review, I would really appreciate it if you would…Amazon puts books in front of more people based on reviews, e’ xooxo  |
My Phone Dropped in the Toilet…Lessons Learned
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