The lyrics to this Paul Simon classic come to mind as I sit on my couch for the fourth straight day nursing a bruised foot. All it took was missing one, just one step...and I am out for the count. The Universe has been whispering in my ear, "Slow down Richa, slow down, pause...!" and here we are. I hear you, thank you, I get it.
This is the first time I have ever hurt myself like this. I took a toss walking from my car to a 7-year old's birthday party. I had barely walked five steps and found myself slipping, falling on my left hand, scraping my left knee and bruising my right foot. In the first few moments I was disoriented by the fall and felt quite certain that it was nothing, that I could get right back up. But then I tried moving my right foot, and no, it wasn't meant to be. I was hurt.
I was in a lot of pain but at the same time laughing because I knew exactly how I had created this accident for myself. The last few months have been quite hectic and I haven't really been able, or rather willing, to slow down and pause. The last few weeks had been especially intense with a lot on my plate. But I kept saying to myself, I can do it, I can do it, I just need to push a little harder, wake up earlier, that's all and I just do it. Forgetting sometimes the very lesson I teach that not pausing comes at a price.
The Universe has been pretty consistent in my life, always challenging me to walk the talk and go deeper within myself. Although, I can laugh this off, there is a part of me that gets that this accident was no coincidence. I have to confess, I have been a little unfocused lately and not as disciplined and organized as I would have liked to be. I have also been blaming myself and making myself wrong, once again, for not being good enough. And consistently, every time I go into one of these places, the Universe manages to bring me back, by hook or by crook or by sending me for a toss.
I am very lucky to have my mother and husband here taking care of me. I just asked my husband for a cup of coffee, lovingly addressing him as Carson, the butler from Downtown Abbey! We are keeping it light around here! I am so grateful that the Universe has me in a "time out". As I pause I recognize...
- how blessed I am: having this minor injury is nothing compared to what some people go through. Like my uncle jokingly remarked, "you still have the other leg!". Yes uncle, I do!
- how loved I am: my husband, children and mother have all been taking care of me; helping me hobble through the house; feed me; bring me ice packs for my foot. I love you all more than you will know!
- how healthy I am: yes, I might have tumbled, but there are no fractures of any sort; I am not on medications for anything, I am really well and really healthy.
In this "time out" I am humbled by the love, grace and divine messages the Universe has for me. I always say that if success happens by accident then in order to stay successfull you must continue to have a lot of accidents. I think the same is true for the pause. The pause that I am taking right now might have happened by accident. However, I have no intentions of having this accident over and over again in order to pause! Nope, not happening!! Time to reset, recommitt and re-energize to intentionally creating life and success, ONE PAUSE, one breath at a time!
Who is with me?
Sacred Affirmations for this moment:
I choose to pause consciously, daily
I pause to check in with my body, mind and emotions, daily
I bow deeply in gratitude to the grace, love and blessings in my life
I love the cosmic dance I am in with this beloved Universe
Take a few moments to reflect on these thoughts, share and discuss this blog. Your insights could help another reader, so don't hold back, share the love. Tell me what you think? What were you present to when you read this article, Slow Down, You Move Too Fast? I am so honored that you spent time in this sacred space with me. You make a difference in the Universe, always remember that! Now don't hold back, speak your truth! The Universe is listening.....!
Namaste,
Richa xoxox
Richa Badami is a transformation leader, meditation teacher, spiritual coach and mentor. She inspires her clients and students to create lasting transformation and success by leveraging their inner power. Her private and group programs have helped hundreds heal, transform and powerfully create lives that they love! To receive Richa's podcast, videos and blogs delivered right to your mailbox, subscribe to her bi-weekly newsletter "The Pause". For media inquiries send email to support@RichaBadami.com