Finding Stillness: Lessons from Elmo and Jonathan Bailey

As life gets hectic in the run-up to Christmas, it can be all too easy to forget the power of simply stepping back. Taking a moment, as seen in Jonathan Bailey’s touching “Sesame Street” exchange with Elmo, is a simple but profound act: pausing to breathe, reflect, and just be, no matter what’s happening in life. There’s nothing to feel guilty about when you take a break and do nothing; these pauses are vital for wellbeing. Sometimes, letting yourself slow down for a moment is exactly what’s needed.​​

This blog explores the power of pausing for personal growth and self-care and how such moments, whether prompted by gentle reminders from family, tradition, or a spontaneous connection, can help us feel more grounded amid the rush of everyday life.

Listening to the Leaves

In the video, Jonathan Bailey quietly models for Elmo what it means to “take a moment.” He admits, “Sometimes I just sit and listen to the leaves.” This reminds me of my father’s gentle wisdom: “Sometimes I just sit and think, sometimes I just sit.” Those words have always reassured me that it’s perfectly okay to be still and that meaningful moments don’t need to be busy or productive. Sitting side by side, Elmo and Bailey show how sharing mindful, quiet presence can open deep connection between people. Sometimes we support each other most by simply being there.

Their message pushes gently against society’s idea that only being busy brings value. Instead, it reminds us that rest isn’t something to apologise for; it’s something to cherish. Underneath it all lies one of the biggest lessons: there is no shame in taking a break, and sometimes, doing “nothing” can be just what you need.

The Psychology of Pausing: What Does It Achieve?Over the years, both therapy and psychology have shown how powerful it can be to pause. Stepping back for a moment interrupts those automatic patterns of thought and behaviour, giving us the chance to really notice what’s happening, both inside and around us. Often, when someone allows themselves even a brief pause, it opens the door for self-reflection and fresh perspective. Pausing interrupts those automatic patterns of busy thoughts and habits, making it easier to really notice ourselves and what’s around us. Often, that’s when fresh perspective or even a creative idea has room to surface. A pause could be a mindful walk, a deep breath, or simply watching the rain. Sometimes, it’s the quiet space that lets tricky feelings or worries show up so they can be met, not pushed away.

In my counselling work, those real, present-time moments where the therapist and client connect in an authentic, human way are where change can begin. Just like in the quiet between Jonathan Bailey and Elmo, these moments can bring healing and a sense of belonging, reminding us that genuine connection is possible at any age.

Pausing as Self-Care: Everyday PracticeSelf-care isn’t just about rituals or products, it’s about giving yourself permission to rest. That might mean sitting quietly, taking a walk, or enjoying a cup of tea while watching autumn leaves. When you start noticing what your mind or body is asking for, you’re reconnecting with yourself in a real way.

How to Incorporate Pausing in Daily Life

·      Practice mindfulness in everyday moments: eating, walking, listening to music, or feeling the warmth of the sun.​

·      Pause before reacting: when emotions run high, take a breath and check in with yourself

·      Reflect on decisions: give yourself space to weigh up thoughts, feelings, and values

before rushing into making a choice

·      Let your feelings surface: instead of staying busy to avoid discomfort, try giving space to

what’s present.

·      Find your “mirror”: this might be nature, a trusted friend, or a journal. Ask yourself, “How am I, really?”.​

Sharing Stillness: How Pausing Opens Us Up

Taking a pause, even just for a few breaths, can be a simple but powerful way to reconnect with yourself. When you slow down, you give yourself the space to really notice what’s happening inside and around you. It might feel strange at first to sit with silence or to simply let your thoughts come and go, but these gentle pauses often lead to greater self-awareness and new insights. Sometimes, the most meaningful shifts happen not when we’re doing more, but when we’re allowing ourselves just to be—listening kindly to whatever is present.

Cultural and Personal Reflections: Sitting as HeritageThe phrase “sometimes I just sit and think, sometimes I just sit” is both a personal memory and a reflection of cultural values that honour contemplation. Many spiritual and indigenous traditions incorporate sitting, pausing, and silent reflection as ways of connecting to wisdom and the wider world. In families and communities, these rituals pass quietly from generation to generation, reminding us that stillness is part of the human experience—accessible to all, at any time.​

Why Are Pauses Difficult?Many of us find it hard to pause, worried about the thoughts or feelings that could show up when we’re not busy. It’s normal to struggle if stillness feels unsafe, or if your mind races the minute you stop. Starting small, just a few breaths or moments, can build comfort over time.

How “Taking a Moment” Supports GrowthAllowing pauses, whether planned or spontaneous, opens up space for new growth and change. Even brief moments to breathe or reflect can disrupt the patterns that lead to stress or burnout.

Bringing Pauses into RelationshipsAs seen in Jonathan Bailey and Elmo’s exchange, pausing with one another can be a potent act of relational care. Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea, a shared walk, or simply sitting together in silence, these moments of meeting can build trust and deepen relationships. Giving space to each other, without rushing or filling every gap, often helps communication and can prevent misunderstandings.

Practical Steps for ReadersIf you’re reading this and feeling the call to pause, consider:

·      Scheduling short breaks throughout your day where you do nothing but sit and notice your breath or surroundings.

·      Recognising moments when your mind is busy, and choosing to step back, even for a moment, for reflection.

·      Practicing mindful presence when with others - listening, sitting alongside, or even sharing a silence for connection

Final Thoughts: Permission to Just Sit

Coming back to the wisdom from Jonathan Bailey, Elmo, and my father, let this be a gentle nudge: slow down, reflect and let yourself be, whatever form that takes for you. Sometimes you just sit and think. And sometimes, you simply sit. Both are just right. Give yourself the same kindness and space you offer others in these moments.

If you’d like support with finding calm, managing stress, or simply want to talk things through, get in contact with Lucy at Counselling with Lucy. Reaching out could be the first step toward feeling more grounded and heard.

www.counsellingwithlucy.co.uk

counsellingwithlucy1@gmail.com