mar's Desk

marcoujor: Fall Break - Pausing

10/17/2018

I love my current work as a nursing instructor - working in behavioral health and community clinical settings with my students.

I put the same "heart and soul" into my work that I expect my students to. Our days together are draining - both physically and emotionally.

I consider this a "good tired" - reflective of a job well done. I also consider my work to be "sacred". The future of nursing, at least partially, is in my hands as I role model the kind of nurse that I want to care for me and those I love.

We are on Fall Break around our campus. A few days breathing in the cooler air, especially when the sun is shining brightly, has reminded me to slow down. Mom would call this a time where "I can hear myself think".

I sat down to write this week and found my mind actively resisting the idea of reining in those thoughts.

I've told my students there is no point in studying when distracted, for any reason. Similarly, I've given myself permission to pause this week.

I'd like to share the following video from Tara Brach. I'm grateful to a friend for telling me about Tara several months ago. I have signed up for mailings from her website and this week's video was a perfect reflection for Fall Break and my natural inclination to pause.

You may need to return when you have about an hour for yourself. If the very idea of an hour of free time is daunting to you, it may need to be scheduled.

You are worth the investment after all.

If you find it difficult to listen to someone telling you about the benefits of pausing, you may be more influenced by music.

This week in my "free time" I've been pulling out some of my favorite CDs, way too many to share at this time. I was shocked that this favorite collaboration by Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach is 20-years old. This collection of music is tasty, timeless and tranquil in sound.

So take that same hour and put your feet up while you listen:

ShoutOuts

☙ Mulberries~Food For Silk via WarnerWords

☙ FarmaCOPEia: Black Cohosh & Blood Clots via flashPress

☙ Two Interviews Now Available! Via Richard Rumple’s Author Page

Until next week, wishing you peace and time to pause, mar

25 Comments

Rotimi Williams

10/17/2018 08:18:40 am

Am a lover of music. They help to lighten up burdens. Thank you and God bless you.

Maria link

10/19/2018 10:53:00 am

So good to see you here, Rotimi.

I am happy to learn you are a lover of music too.

RANDI BENLULU

10/17/2018 08:37:24 am

Constructive 'pausing" can be difficult sometimes. Thsnk you for the reminder

Maria link

10/19/2018 10:54:43 am

So true, Randi - always a pleasure to see you.

Peg Cole link

10/17/2018 09:19:40 am

The pause that refreshes. . .You may be onto something here with that great idea. We're taking our first pause in many years to get on The Love Boat and take a cruise this coming week. I hope this will invigorate our thought processes and provide a fresh perspective. Meanwhile, I'll be checking out your music collection. Love to you and yours. Hugs, too.

Maria link

10/19/2018 10:56:48 am

Wishing you and "J" a rejuvenating time away, dear Peg.

You both deserve this time so very much - can't wait to hear all about it... !!!!

Love you and big hugs - be safe too, Maria

Mike

10/17/2018 10:40:19 am

Hello mar - A pause, now isn't that an interesting idea. Listening to the first song of the hour long concert then to work for me.

Maria link

10/19/2018 10:58:06 am

Dear Mike,
Hope you're building in plenty of time for "pause" during these busy days. Music is always a great partner to me.

Shauna

10/17/2018 12:23:28 pm

Mar, I love the poem Tara read about fire and how it needs breathing space in order to burn. That really puts the "pause" concept into perspective. We need to pause, to breathe in order to allow our entire being the freedom to fulfill our purpose, to share all of what we have to offer, and to be true to ourselves.

Love this post, my friend!

Maria link

10/19/2018 11:00:33 am

Hi Sha,
If you are not a Tara Brach fan, please check out her other videos - so many, it is staggering.
Every one I've listened to has struck a chord(s) in me - very universal themes and such a joyful approach.
Love you and thanks for your meaningful remarks, mar

Martie link

10/17/2018 06:17:15 pm

Dearest Mar

Thank you for reminding us to have regular mental siestas. When we neglect taking them, they accumulate and eventually activate the dreadful condition called Burnout.

Enjoy this lovely time of the year - Autumn up there and Spring down here.

Hugs,
Martie

Cynthia link

10/17/2018 08:54:27 pm

Love this post and the gentle reminder to "be" and not "do." Enjoy your break! I have been entertaining the idea of a tech-free weekend a month - where I don't post, don't schedule anything, and just take the time off to meditate, be present, and/or do things not for the website or anything - just to be present. :) I haven't done it, yet, because of the need to be consistent with the things that I do, but still...you got me smiling in agreement that it is essential to allow ourselves a break. Sending hugs and Happy Wednesday to you!

Maria link

10/19/2018 11:04:42 am

Dear Cynthia,

I had a strong feeling you would connect with this post, as we are so much alike.

I would love to hear more about the tech free weekend. I strive for times each day...I can go quite awhile on the weekend days without the need to "quick check" if there is a work issue.

This has been a wonderful, needed week for me. Big hugs and have a peaceful weekend.

Thanks also for your sweet note which arrived in the mail a couple days ago.

Love,Maria

Vicki link

10/18/2018 03:54:42 pm

Dear Mareer,

Good advice. I’m getting better at taking breaks whenever I feel the need, and not feeling guilty about it. It helps when you’re the boss of your own website!
Love and hugs,
Vickster

Maria link

10/19/2018 11:06:33 am

Bravo to you, dear Vickster.

I totally agree with us all taking breaks without guilt.

Love you lots and big hugs, mareer

Verlie

10/19/2018 10:45:45 am

Mar, thank you for sharing the Sacred Pause, Tara Brach vid. She's so good!
And you, lady, are so awesome sharing this. I had to pause it a few times, in my manic early morning multi-tasking mode, but I could totally relate to what she is saying, what a wise inspirational message
And the Burt Bacharach, I saw him perform live once at a nightclub in Reno of all places, will enjoy listening later, I know.
Thanks again Mar, for all your good work, V.

Maria link

10/19/2018 11:09:23 am

I smile in understanding of your comment, dear V.

Manic, multi-tasking is a necessary evil to me as well, especially on a work day.

Ah I'd have loved to have attended the Burt concert with you...I know he must have been amazing.

Love you and so appreciate your visits, mar

paula

10/19/2018 10:13:47 pm

Maria, my wise friend....I have only in the last 10 years of my several decades of life, come to truly understand & appreciate the need for us to "pause." To be fair, prior to 10 years ago, I actually never paused long enough to examine my own needs or recognize the importance.
Fortunately, as another wise woman, Maya Angelou, shared in her gifted words, "When we know better, we do better." I now insist upon treating myself with the care and tenderness I've continually given to others. Amazingly, I feel calmer, more astute and much less worrisome. Add the fact that I can do this all now without guilt.....and WOW! What took me so long? Loving your music as always, my Earth Angel. I'll come back to spend an hour with Tara, as it's bedtime for me now. Zzzzzzz.
Pulling out the warm socks and sweaters, girl. It's that time again. You stay warm too! Love you, Paula

Maria link

10/22/2018 07:27:00 pm

Like you, I have learned the positive benefits of pausing in the last two decades.

I love that you / we are taking good care of ourselves - no matter how long it took.

Love you too, Maria

Shannon

10/20/2018 04:07:14 pm

Hi Maria,

This post is very timely. I was just telling someone that I am not working today. I refuse to work 7 days a week, and that's what has been happening lately. Even when I'm not working I've found myself talking about work. So I decided that none of that is happening today. This is a reminder that it's a good thing.

Speaking of good things, your book arrived in the mail today. Thanks so much for the gift and the encouraging note you left inside. Though I've never seen you in action as a nurse, I've no doubt that you are an amazing caregiver to your patients and an inspiration to your students. Your kindness has been consistent and unwavering since the day I first "met" you several years ago. It's a testament to the kind of person I hope to be, always an inspiration.

Maria link

10/22/2018 07:23:46 pm

I'm glad you took a day off from work, Shannon. It does us a world of good to rejuvenate.
Thanks for your kind words - I do hope you find some value in my book.

Angelia S. Phillips

10/21/2018 11:42:07 am

Prof. Mahreer,

Pauses are soooo good. I pause often, because even on troubled days, I'm loved, blessed and have much to be grateful for. Just taking a few moments for them brings on the feel-betters. 😊

Maria link

10/22/2018 07:19:55 pm

Great philosophy, dear Ange.

The "feel-betters" is officially one of my "new" favorite expressions!

Thanks and hugs to you, mareer

Sannel link

10/21/2018 03:57:47 pm

Dearest Maria,

I hope you enjoyed a peaceful week with lots of rest and playful times with the precious men in your life. :) I loved this post and I loved the videos. Thank you for the good advice and for a good time here on your blog post.
Love you lots and hugs,
Sannel

Maria link

10/22/2018 07:15:58 pm

Thanks, dear Sannel. I have enjoyed this week very much.

Back to the students tomorrow - believe it or not, I have missed them :)

Sending you and Freddie my love and lots of hugs, Maria

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marcoujor: Fall Break - Pausing

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