Most people automatically reach for the phone when it rings, answering it as soon as possible. This practice is about trying to interrupt that habit and to use the ‘ringing’ as an opportunity to PAUSE and to BREATHE before responding.
Instructions
Each time you hear a telephone ring, chime or buzz, stop what you are doing and take three mindful breaths to settle the mind before answering. (If you have to answer phones quickly at work, you may like to shorten this to one or two breaths). The point is to pause and take at least one deep cleansing breath before answering the call of the bell.
If you get very few calls a day on your telephone (lucky you!), try setting an alarm to ring at irregular intervals. When the alarm rings, stop and breathe.
Reminders
Put a colour sticker on your phone(s) or a little note that says “Pause” in a place you will notice every time you pick it up or flip it open to respond to a call.
Spread the Word
Image courtesy of Zigazou76