In today’s hyper-connected world, the constant buzz of social media can feel overwhelming. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, navigating the barrage of notifications, opinions, and comparison traps can be particularly activating. At The Gatehouse, we embrace the importance of a simple yet powerful concept: P.A.U.S.E.
What is P.A.U.S.E?
P.A.U.S.E. stands for Paying Attention Unveils Sacred Experiences and is attributed to Arthur Lockhart, the Founder of The Gatehouse. It’s a simple yet profound way of transforming how I respond to the obstacles that come up in daily life. Those obstacles can show up in countless ways—someone yelling at me, feeling stuck in traffic, being late for a meeting, not feeling heard, getting frustrated by someone cutting me off on the highway, or even feeling taken advantage of. The list of obstacles can seem endless.
The PAUSE exercise encourages me to slow down and create space for reflection and healing. When it comes to social media, PAUSE is a deliberate, conscious choice to step away from all the noise and reconnect with my thoughts and emotions. I’ve found that social media can feel like an endless loop of opinions, judgments, and unrealistic expectations. But by choosing to PAUSE, I reclaim my power to decide what truly deserves my attention.
Why Social Media Can Be Overwhelming
Social media thrives on engagement, but that engagement comes at a cost. Algorithms are designed to keep me hooked, making it difficult to disengage even when the content feels harmful or activating. The comparison culture and toxic positivity I encounter online can sometimes make me feel inadequate or invalidated, especially when my healing journey looks different from what others portray
How to practice PAUSE Effectively
1. Set Boundaries: I find it helpful to define specific times of the day to check social media and stick to them. Outside of those windows, I give myself permission to log off.
2. Mindful Awareness: I notice how social media makes me feel. If I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed, it’s a sign it’s time to PAUSE.
3. Breathing Exercises: Slow, deep breaths help me ground myself in the present moment, making it easier to detach from social media’s pull.
4. Disconnect to Reconnect: Turning off notifications or temporarily disabling apps helps me avoid the constant urge to check them. I use that time to journal, meditate, or simply sit in stillness.
5. Reflect and Reassess: After a PAUSE, I ask myself: Does my mind feel clearer? Is my emotional state more balanced? Revisiting these questions regularly helps me stay in tune with my healing journey.
The Benefits of Embracing PAUSE
Practicing PAUSE has allowed me to break free from the digital noise and find clarity within myself. This quiet space helps me:
· Promote emotional healing
· Reduce anxiety and overwhelm
· Enhance personal growth
· Focus on what truly matters
Finding Your Balance
At The Gatehouse, we encourage participants to explore the concept of PAUSE as part of their healing journey. The digital world may be loud, but I have the power to lower the volume. It all begins with a moment of PAUSE.
Taking a break from social media isn’t about abandoning technology altogether. It’s about intentionally creating moments of stillness and clarity amid the chaos. When I embrace PAUSE, I give myself the gift of calm reflection and a chance to reconnect with my own thoughts and feelings. This simple practice is a powerful step toward healing and well-being, helping me focus on what truly matters
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by social media, consider exploring mindfulness practices or seeking support at The Gatehouse. Healing is a journey, and every step counts.
