Heart Pocket Word for the Day is Pace!

The word from my heart pocket is Pace!

 Pace yourself. That doesn't mean slow down or speed up. It means - make time work for you. Pace is a measurement. Your pace will guide you but you must be the one to set it. Sometimes it feels like it has a life of its own. As long as it gels with what you're doing, thinking, feeling - it's good. When you're breathing hard or you're bored, observe your pace and adjust it to better your quality of living. 

Tempo. Beat. Momentum. Progress. Gait. Stride. Rate. Velocity. Pace.

Movement of the body affects the mind. Exercise clears the brain; the blood flows and is diverted to the muscles. As the muscles begin to work, the sympathetic nervous system (the part of the system that affects the brainstem and spinal cord) increases delivery of oxygenated blood to the body/muscles. The pace of aerobic exercise directly correlates with brain power - particularly clarity, decision making, critical thinking and creativity. We become more discerning and waste less energy by spending it in productive ways.  

There's another meaning to the word pace. Walking back and forth, up and down as if on patrol. Many people pace when they're thinking or talking on the phone. It's the movement that makes the difference. There are several reasons for this; the most operative one is that it helps the coordination of thinking and communicating. It's both linear and non. It's the pace.

Pace is energy conservation. When pace is channeled appropriately, it provides the right amount of fuel needed to achieve our goals. Rest is slow. The fast lane can last only so long but while it's happening, the pace supports our needs. We learn to balance the pace of our lives by experimentation. Sometimes 15 minutes of eyes closed and breathing in silence can completely rejuvenate us when we are in the fast lane. In contrast, humor and diversion can quicken the pace of a meeting or presentation that is falling flat. 

Pace is about movement and flow. Notice your natural pace. Come back to that velocity when you need grounding. Each of us responds to the natural beat of our heart. You are attracted to certain types of music because of your heartbeat, your natural pace. Use music or dance to energize and calm your spirit. 

Needing a change of pace? Listen to your heartbeat. It is telling you exactly what you need.

As I said in the beginning, pace yourself today!