In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to rush from one task to the next, rarely pausing to simply be. Cultivating mindfulness by bringing your awareness to the present moment can transform how you experience your day. We are nearly always okay in the present moment, so forget about the troubles from yesterday or the challenges tomorrow might bring, and just focus on the now.
This week, Jonny Wilkinson shares a simple yet powerful practice to help you find calm and clarity: Stop, Breathe, Be.
Taking time to pause and reset is essential for our mental and physical wellbeing. Scientific research supports this, showing that regular breaks during the day can significantly enhance performance. The surprising takeaway? The more breaks you take, the better your performance becomes. At first, this might seem counterintuitive, but it highlights the value of recharging both your body and mind.
Jonny takes this idea a step further: What if our entire day could feel like one big break? Imagine operating from a state of calm, where peace and focus guide every action. While this might feel like a lofty goal, small, intentional pauses can begin to shift us toward that state.
How to Practice Stop, Breathe, Be
This technique is simple and accessible anywhere, anytime. Here's how to integrate it into your day:
- Stop: Pause for a moment.
- Breathe: Take a deep breath, inhaling slowly and exhaling fully.
- Be: Focus on the present moment. Bring your awareness to your body, your surroundings, or your sense of gratitude.
Jonny suggests weaving this practice into the transitions of your day—before walking through a door, getting into your car, stepping off the train, starting a conversation, or even before enjoying a meal or a sip of kombucha. These tiny moments of presence can anchor you in gratitude and peace, helping you reset and refocus.
By intentionally pausing throughout the day, you’ll find yourself more connected, calm, and ready to engage with the world. So, this week, remember to Stop, Breathe, Be. It’s a small practice that can have a profound impact.
