This video (and the 3 still pictures below it) show how a mindful pause works to foster emotional self-regulation.
This of emotional self-regulation as a floodgate, a way to regulate emotions that is similar to the way a dam regulates the flow of water. something that . It takes a dam to regulate the flow of water.
If the floodgates are open, we get totally flooded. The information is no use to us. The experience is actually destructive.
If the gates are closed, we get no information whatsoever. We get no experience. And we get no benefit from the experience.
To benefit from the mighty river without being flooded by it, we need to be able to open and close the floodgates at will.
When we regulate interaction, we benefit from the experience without being overwhelmed by it.
A mindful pause helps us regulate interaction, in such a way that we can benefit from the experience without being overwhelmed by it.
A natural process
The process of regulating interaction is a natural process, one that we share with other animals. It is very clear if you observe how human babies drink.
The bottle is open, and gravity gets the water to flow down to our mouth.
As we drink, we take pauses to shift from bringing water into the mouth to conveying it inside the organism:
– if we were totally open, nonstop, we’d be flooded,
– if we were totally closed, nonstop, we’d get no water,
– it works because we’re able to regulate the intake of water.
It’s so natural, a child does it without being taught.
Making the natural process happen
If pausing comes naturally, why would ever need to take a mindful pause?
The answer is: We need to do it when things are more difficult, especially when we are stressed.
Here’s an analogy: Breathing, too, comes naturally. But, under stress, our breathing becomes shallow. This reduces the blood flow in our body (including our brain) and, in turn, reduces our capacity to deal with stress. It is good for us to intentionally break this vicious cycle by intentionally regulating our breathing.
Taking a mindful pause helps break the vicious cycle of stress.
