I keep a bar of moisturizing soap on my desk at work, in my kitchen, my bathroom and with me whenever I travel. I buy it by the ounce. It is made from all natural ingredients including goat’s milk, scented with pure essential oils, and is refreshing spearmint. But all of that is beside the point. This is my “pause and breathe” soap bar. I walk into my home and am greeted by a refreshing scent that makes me pause and breathe. Same goes for my office and when I am traveling – my soap bar is there prompting me to pause and breathe.
My mother taught me to pause, nurture myself whenever possible, and connect with the bigness and smallness of life. This includes music, art, nature, books, and scents. For me scented soaps and lotions that are as natural as they can be, while doing the intended job, provide a moment of clarity and simplicity.
Throughout the years my mother has given out her favorite body washes and lotions as gifts to friends and family. Every year the family heads off on vacation and she brings along a variety of scented body washes. Enough for each of us, we choose our scent for the week (the grandchildren usually get first pick) and go about pausing and breathing.
When stress is constant in our lives health problems follow and our immune system can become suppressed. We also tend to stop living in the moment. Relaxation, the state of being free from tension and anxiety, is a soothing and healthy response to stress. Focused deep breathing slows the heart rate and brings to the conscious mind relaxation. If you need help getting started, more information on deep breathing can be found at http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response.
So what prompts you to pause and breathe? What provides your moment of clarity and simplicity? A sunrise – “The Star Spangled Banner” – your farm – artwork that surrounds you – hearing your grandfather’s voice – journaling – the view from your office – your pet – the smell and glow of candles – the sound of water – a phone call from a faraway friend – the fire in your fireplace – prayer – the woods behind your home – your morning coffee – lunch with your friends – remembering the birth of your child – meditation – walking your dog – the family barbeque – a sunset.
Many of us forget to pause and breathe. 
That happens, life keeps us busy and we forget to be mindful of the moment. Well this is your moment to connect with whatever it is that causes you to pause and breathe. Or take some time to discover that which will prompt you to pause and breathe daily. You can have more than one trigger or change it if you please. Last year my scent was patchouli and next year…well, I’m just mindful of what works for me now.
This is your journey – pause, breathe, and repeat.
