A Sacred Pause: Recharging and Reconnecting During the Summer Months
During the course of the year, we can be so consumed with daily life that we often forget to stop, breathe and reconnect with ourselves. However, as summer unfurls its warm embrace, it offers the perfect opportunity to take a sacred pause from our daily working lives. This intentional break is not just about rest; it’s a vital period to regroup, check in with our inner self, and take stock of our journey and focus on where we want to go.
House of Grey’s Founder, Louisa Grey shares why and how she takes a pause to bring focus into her life.
Why You Need a Sacred Pause
1. Recharge Your Inner Energy Constantly working without breaks can lead to burnout. A summer pause acts as a reset button, replenishing your energy reserves and restoring your enthusiasm, creativity and productivity for when you return to your life, with new ideas & allowing the evolution of life to unfold.
2. Reflect and Regroup If we are in continuous momentum, it’s impossible to appreciate how far we have come, Summer is the ideal time to step back and acknowledge what has happened over the first half of the year and realign our goals for the rest of the year. Use this period to reflect on your achievements, identify areas for growth and understand your long-term vision. Be brutally honest with yourself and journal & list which elements bring you joy and which just do not serve you anymore. Allow those that do not serve you to drift away and release them.
3. Rekindle Your Sense of Purpose Over time the fire inside us can start to burn softer, taking time away from a primary focus such as work can allow us to reconnect with passions and interests which can subsequently reignite our motivation and allow us to bring a fresh perspective to our work.
How to Take a Sacred Pause This Summer
Plan Ahead Schedule your sacred pause well in advance so that you have time to inform colleagues and clients and allow for a smooth transition. Planning helps to create boundaries around your pause, making it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Disconnect to Reconnect During your time away, minimise your interaction with work-related technology. Where possible, turn off email notifications and avoid checking work messages - this disconnection is crucial for a true mental and emotional break.
Engage in Mindful Activities Engage in activities that promote mind / body connection. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, or surfing, choose activities that help you connect with your inner-self and pull you out of your head and into the moment.
Reflect and Journal Take time each day to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Journaling can be a powerful tool to process your experiences and gain insight into your deep inner thinking.
Set Intentions for Your Return As your pause comes to an end, set clear intentions for your return to work. Define your goals, consider your priorities and create a plan to maintain the balance you’ve achieved during your break.
Taking a sacred pause during the summer months is more than just a break from work; it’s an essential practice for long-term health and success. By intentionally stepping back, you create space for self-reflection, rejuvenation, and inspiration. As you return to life you’ll be better equipped to tackle challenges, see opportunities clearly, and achieve your sense of purpose which in turn brings contentment. Embrace the sacred pause this summer, your future self will thank you.