The Power of the Pause: Why Listening Inward Matters

Pammy Gaskin
Oct 1
3 min read

I’ve been off socials for a little over two weeks now. And honestly? It felt really good.

I needed space. Space away from the constant noise. From always being “on.” From the endless pull of notifications.

Space to breathe. To listen inward. To take care of myself in the ways I so often encourage other women to do.

Because here’s the truth: even as someone who supports women every day in prioritising their health and wellbeing, I’m not immune to stress or overwhelm.

I felt it building — the tiredness, the short temper, the restlessness. Those little nudges we so often ignore.

So I listened. I stepped back. I let my nervous system recalibrate.

When the Pause Reveals More

I want to be honest about something deeper, too.

Over these past weeks, I’ve felt quite low. Isolated. Unsure about many things.

A recent blood test showed my thyroid has swung to the opposite end of “normal” — which explains a lot about my mood and energy right now.

But what’s been different this time is my inner dialogue.

She’s been patient. Compassionate. Kind.

Not long ago, that inner voice would have been cruel, judgmental, unkind — pushing me further into darkness. Now, she offers me gentleness. Grace. A reminder that healing isn’t linear, and that listening inward matters just as much as looking outward for answers.

Prevention Isn’t Just About Illness

This pause reminded me of something essential:

🤎 Prevention isn’t only about avoiding illness.

🤎 It’s about honouring the small signals before they become big problems.

🤎 It’s about creating rhythms that support our health, our calm, and our wholeness.

We can’t avoid stress or struggle completely — none of us can. What matters is recognising the signals and honouring them.

That’s the practice. That’s the work.

Where I’m At Right Now

This pause hasn’t just been personal. It’s also given me space to reflect on my work and how I support this community.

Right now, I’ve paused my programmes for the moment to realign and ensure I’m showing up in the most supportive, sustainable way for you all going forward.

This isn’t a goodbye — it’s a recalibration. I’m taking time to listen, refine, and create offerings that truly meet you where you are.

And I’m excited to share that there’s more to come…

What’s Next

This Autumn and Winter, if you’re local to West Sussex or Hampshire, keep an eye out for new experiences in nature:

Wild retreats
Sauna sessions in the woodlands
Ice plunges and lake swims
Wild sea mindful swims

I’m currently studying outdoor swim safety with the STA so I can support you with both joy and safety in these practices.

A Gentle Practice for You

Because sometimes we just need a reminder, here’s a simple practice you can try right now.

The Pause Practice

Put both feet on the ground. Feel the support beneath you.
Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly.
Take a slow inhale through the nose (to a count of 4).
Exhale gently through the mouth (to a count of 6).
Repeat 3 times.
Whisper to yourself: “I am here. I am safe. I can pause.”

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for your health is to stop, breathe, and listen.

Building Resilience Through Small Moments

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be long, elaborate, or perfect. It can be found in small, everyday pauses. Here are a few gentle grounding ideas to weave into your days:

Step outside and notice three things you can see, hear, and feel.
Place your hands on a warm mug of tea and simply notice the warmth.
Write down one kind sentence to yourself before bed.
Stretch your arms overhead, roll your shoulders, and take three slow breaths.
When you catch your inner critic, try replacing her with a softer voice: “I’m learning. I’m doing my best. It’s okay to rest.”

These little practices build resilience. They remind us of our capacity to care for ourselves — physically, mentally, and emotionally. And they help us notice the signals before they build into something bigger.