Meditation is not contemplation. It is also not concentration. It is a state of being, a state of awareness. Awareness is tricky. People think that they know what it is, yet it is obscure. We are actually not living fully aware. The body movements, sensory perceptions, thinking…all activities are happening and yet we can be absolutely unaware of it. Human beings are like robots. A robot performs according to a programme but is dead inside. There is no life inside. So, you are absolutely unaware of what is inside of you and you function normally.

For Pause Meditation, sit in zazen meditation first. In this way, one can focus better, train the mind in a better way. When we sit in a quiet corner, with eyes closed and resolve to meditate, then we have created the right ambience for meditation.

And taking small pauses while we are working gives us the chance to break the monotony, break the robotic patterns which we have cultivated for so long. Say, you are walking, writing, cooking, dancing, attending to office work or helping the child in his school project or study. Suddenly, take a break. Stop. Take a pause.

If possible, exhale deeply and hold the breathing activity for as long as you are comfortable. Look inwards, see, feel your body, observe your breath, look at your mind. Be a witness to all this that is happening. Then return to what you were doing.

These pauses will go a long way in raising your level of awareness. Remember, you must do it with zeal and enthusiasm. Remember, these pauses are pregnant with possibilities and will take you closer to enlightenment.