Take a pause

Yoga teacher Carmen Karady explains why learning how to resist the urge to act on impulse or reflex can help us be the best version of ourselves.

Being the best version of ourselves doesn’t imply being perfect, always kind, or invincible. Rather, it is that split moment of awareness when we resist the impulse to react, and instead, choose to pause and take a conscious breath or two.

In that very pause, in that instant awareness, the response proceeds accordingly; be it firm, or soft, assertive, or restrained – yet always aligned with what the present moment calls for.

In that brief moment of pause, the nervous system settles and former ego-driven patterns begin to loosen their grip. What emerges is an intuitive response – not driven by urgency or defence, but informed by the present circumstance. In this sense, a pause may naturally clarify a boundary – one grounded in respect for the other person’s viewpoint, opening a path to clearer understanding. Whatever arises, it comes from regulation, not reflex.

And yet, our instinctive default leans toward quick reaction, as most of us were not taught to pause. Rather, we were shaped by environments that rewarded speed, certainty, and defence. Over time, reactivity has become all the more familiar – even necessary. Consequently, the nervous system has learned to anticipate before fully understanding the present context.

Yet each time we choose the pause, we strengthen the pathway towards that best version of ourselves. With practice, we build a muscle of calm, and a habit of awareness. We become less captive to old scripts and more capable of creative, compassionate choices. In this way, step by step, we become the most authentic, intentional version of ourselves.

About Carmen: Carmen has a PhD in international education. She has been a certified yoga teacher since 2001, and has received advanced training in Yoga Nidra and yoga therapy with Dr Kamini Desai, PhD, Psychology. Currently, Carmen‘s practice is located in Budapest. She specialises in Yoga therapy for seniors. Contact: ckarady@mac.com