This month we’re putting the Pet Pals Spotlight on Michael O’Brien, founder of the Pause, Breathe, Reflect movement!

What are some non-traditional ways that a busy person at a vet practice can find calm during their work day?

This is a great question, given how fast life feels today. One of the best things to do is take a minute and take three deep (from the belly) breaths in, and nice slow (1.5 - 2x longer than your inhale) exhales. It's an easy way to activate our rest and digest part of our central nervous system and provide some calm. 

What are your thoughts on meditating without an audio or visual guide?

When I developed Pause Breathe Reflect, I was in the hospital in 2001 recovering from my near-death cycling accident. I knew I had to heal my mind before I could heal my body. We didn't have smartphones back then, so I didn't have an app to guide me. It was just me in my wheelchair, focusing on my breath. I believe it's valuable to be comfortable with various meditation methods because life is changing rapidly, and with more agility, we can always find a way to drop in and slow down wherever we are. 

What are some meditations that you recommend that people can try to use to relax at the end of a busy day?

I'm a big fan of body-scan meditations as a way to notice what our body is sharing with us and inviting more relaxation and ease. It then gives us a chance to transition back home more effectively. Additionally, alternative nostril breathing can help us regain harmony and balance. To practice it, you would breathe in with your right nostril, breathe out with your left, breathe in with your left, and then breathe out with your right. You can follow this pattern for two to three minutes to reset and renew your energy. 

Could you please let us know your thoughts around silent retreats?

I'm a big fan of silent retreats and just returned from a five-day in-person retreat. They are a reminder that doing nothing is hard work and meaningful. I generally recommend that folks start small with a one-day retreat and progress from there. They are beneficial in helping us go within and climb to our peak to gain awareness. That said, the essential part of a silent retreat is taking your awareness and weaving it into your life as you break your silence and return to the natural cadence of life.

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