The Idea of Docking: How Many Times Have you Paused your Life Today?
In marine life, I find the idea of DOCKING very interesting. Ships and boats are brought to bay before they voyage on a yet another tiresome journey into the sea of unknown. For a tired ship, docking provides it time to relax its material parts and go through maintenance and repair whilst the ship gets to enjoy the warmth of the sun and perhaps some fresh breeze of the bay.
Humans might not require such kind of “docking” as ships do, but the concept of personal “anchoring” could enhance our journeys too, as we move through our own seas of existence. This involves intentionally taking breaks to recharge, reflect, and rejuvenate- stepping aside for a moment from everyday business is a way we can help our mental, emotional and psychological brain process daily events better. By docking yourself at such moments of pause, you get opportunities of active rest, something we often forget to give ourselves in the crazy hustle and bustle of life.
Giving yourself active rest during moments of life where you flit from one activity to the other, you block environmental stimuli and reduce hyper stimulation, which is one of the major factors that cause stress-related disorders. You give your nervous system some time to recoup from everyday stressors and prevent stress from being accumulated in the body. It is often due to these little everyday stressors that get settled in parts of the body and that manifest as somatic bodily pain.
Active rests don’t have to be a long commitment. This can only be a few minutes, or even seconds of pausing. Important is that the rest is conscious to ensure that it is effective.
Just as we put our full attention and concentration on the work we do during the day, during an active rest, try stepping out from this activity or transitions between activities and pause, where you entirely stop your daily activity and give yourself proper time for a brief rest just as ships on a dock.
You can allow yourself to concentrate on what’s happening in your body or mind– almost as a self check-in — check on your thoughts, feelings and emotions and how you are doing physically.
Read these few tips on how to use “docking” as a daily habit!
- Pause and pranayama –
The pace of your breathing accords with the state of your body. Simply put, when you’re stressed or anxious, you breathe faster. When you’re relaxed, your breath is automatically slow. So a great way to give yourself a tiny rest during a hectic day is to pause and direct your focus towards your breath. Mindfully try to breathe in as long as you can, and exhale even longer. Remember, the longer you try to breathe, the slower your breath becomes. Slow breathing will automatically restore your nervous system so you are ready to focus on your next activity better. Repeat it a couple of times and soon you will notice a relaxing change in your body!
- Gentle but mindful stretch-
Just a simple act of switching your current position can help you feel a difference in the body. For example, if you sit in your computer for too long, “dock” yourself out of your desk and find a spot to mindfully stretch parts of your body, starting either from head to toe or toe to head. While you stretch, take a moment to stop thinking about your daily tasks, rather, bring your attention to see how the stretch feels. Before you jump into your task again, take another moment also to feel the wonderful effect of the gentle stretch!
3. Mindful meal breaks:
Transform your meal or snack breaks into opportunities for mindfulness, where you are not just enjoying your food, but also getting a break from having to think of the everyday task. Instead of focusing on the latter, now try to actively focus on your eating habit- on mindfully chewing and resting a bit before your next bite. Instead of rushing through your food, really take time to savor each bite, focusing on its taste, texture, and aroma. Completely avoid distractions like screens or checking your phone while chewing; this will not only help you enrich your relationship with food, but also ensure that you get the best nutrition out of your food. Mindful eating is key! This will enhance your enjoyment of food as well as encourage relaxation and digestion.
4. Docking in the nature:
“Dock” yourself in the open nature, even if it’s just for a few minutes! Step outside and take a walk in a nearby park or green space. Allow yourself to observe and appreciate the natural surroundings—the greenness of nature, texture of grass and scents of natural plants. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote a sense of well-being, making it a valuable component of active rest. If you cannot “dock” yourself on a green space outside, take a moment to water your houseplant and simply spend a few mindful minutes observing how well your plant is growing!
- Journaling or Reflection:
Set aside time each day to “dock” and reflect on your experiences. When flitting back and forth from the busy activities of everyday schedule, there might be a lot that your brain has to constantly process. Use journaling as a tool to write down just a few sentences or so– is there a lingering thought that is bothering or distracting you from your main activity? Or is there a creative idea in your head you don’t want to forget? Just write them down and view a page full of interesting thoughts at the end of your day!
Writing can be a therapeutic practice that promotes self-awareness and mindfulness and a great tool to process emotions, set intentions, and cultivate gratitude!
- Self-care ritual:
“Dock” yourself to spend a few minutes tapping into your inner self and asking the question “How am I really doing right now?” With so much interaction with the outer world, we forget what is happening inside our own minds and bodies. Take a sip of water, observe how your body feels in the moment and just pause to remind yourself that you are doing well! This can also be a wonderful moment to express gratitude and appreciation towards yourself. Share some self-love with yourself!
- Social Connection Breaks:
At times when there are a lot of things in your head, using a dock alongside someone else can prove wonders too. Plan social “docking” sessions where you engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and strengthen relationships. Having a quick but deep human connection and seeking support, something that is so much forgotten and overlooked these days, can prove to improve your emotional well-being.
Remember whatever you do during your breaks or for however long you take them, you should be mindfully present where you are.
Amidst the bustling world of external responsibilities, nurturing your inner world is just as important! On your next work or school day, try “docking” yourself every once in a while. Create a docking station for yourself so that this is a consistent habit. This could be your favorite couch at the office, or your balcony full of plants. Remember, as much as important being productive is, periods of active and conscious rest are equally, if not more crucial!
The concept of docking is INTENTIONAL ACTIVE REST
Docking is intentionally stepping outside of your everyday and taking a moment for yourself, nevertheless whatever you do during these moments of pause or absolutely DO NOTHING AT ALL!
What a great reminder. Our conscious mind knows most of them but they are not recorded in our sub conscious mind because we have not practiced them. Thank you for reminding them in action. Thank you, and bless you!!🙏
Thanks for some other informative web site. The place else could I get that type of info written in such a perfect method?
I’ve a challenge that I am simply now running
on, and I’ve been on the look out for such info.
Hi! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple
iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Keep up the great work!