3 Lessons Learned from Practicing the Intentional Pause for Mindfulness Beginners So You Can Focus on a Single Task without Interruptions

Denise Pyles
2 min readApr 3, 2024
Photo Credit: Denise Pyles, Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, WA

In a sea of tasks, how do you stay afloat?

The intentional pause can be your lifeline.

The mindful, intentional pause is a deliberate break where you consciously shift your behavior to become self-aware and present in the moment.

Here are three lessons I learned that could help you enhance your focus on one single task at a time with the versatile tool of mindful, intentional pause.

Lesson #1. Clarity Through Silence

Even briefly, stepping away from the noise lets your mind reset and refocus. The clarity gained from moments of silence is invaluable. Mindful silence is about creating mental space to prioritize tasks.

Tip: Start small. Before beginning a new task, take a minute to breathe and clear your mind.

Lesson #2. The Power of Single-Tasking

Multitasking is a myth that dilutes your attention and quality. Focusing on one task at a time can boost your efficiency and results. When it’s time to work, focus your energy on one thing.

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Denise Pyles

I ghostwrite Educational Email Courses on micro-mindfulness for thought leaders in high-pressure tech. I'm a former nun with 35K+ hours of mindfulness practice.