This week I read a quote that has made me think about how often I stop, reflect, and take in my surroundings. Surprisingly, this was in a Better Homes & Garden magazine. “Insert a Pause.” This was in relation to a garden and how inserting something like a big pot of flowers within your garden can make you pause, the pot itself being that pause.
That three-word phrase has been on my mind the last few days, and I found ways that I myself have inserted a pause in my home. I might not have a full-on garden such as the ones pictured in the Better Homes & Garden magazine, but I’ve still found ways to make my home one that can create mindful moments.
Home Office-My home office has a bright pink accent wall. Each morning when I come into my office I pause, admiringly look at it, take in its strong hue, and reflect on how much joy this home project has brought to me. The mere fact that I have a spare room in my house which I’ve turned into my home office is remarkable-I grew up in a two-bedroom trailer where I shared one room with three other sisters. When initially creating my accent wall I didn’t know I was inserting a pause, but now that my home office is complete, it indeed creates that moment of stillness, quiet, and happiness.
Reading Nook-Our small reading area is in the corner of our living room. It’s adorned with a gray chair and a bright yellow chair, and blue and orange cushions. There is a rustic-Mexican style mirror near it. This little cozy corner in my home also makes me pause, sit, and enjoy a moment of tranquility as I lounge in the softness of the chairs
A Touch of Green-My alcatraz plant, a gift from former students, has now sprouted 3 white calla lilies. The plant is in the corner of my office and without a doubt, each time I look its way, I am taken aback by its bright green colors on its leaves, and I can’t help but smile as I curiously look around it and notice that more lily’s have begun blooming,(proud plant mom moment) I thought it would only be 1! I might not have a garden, but this plant has created happy pauses in my life. I also had not been very successful with plants so this alcatraz plant makes me reflect on my own growth as a plant person.
Look around your home, or maybe it is your actual garden, how have you “inserted a pause” into your life? Or where would you like to insert a pause? While there can be a lot going in the world around us, it’s important to stop, pause, and be mindful of the beauty in our surroundings. Especially when we come from immigrant backgrounds or have overcome adversity, or have had to constantly be resilient. Taking a moment to pause might be difficult to do. Inserting pauses into our daily lives, whether through vibrant home decor or a cherished plant, allows us to find moments of peace and mindfulness.
UndocuJoy 