The Power of the Pause: 90 Seconds to Calm, Reset, and Reconnect

by Jillian Pransky

To achieve connection, peace, growth, and contentment, all that is required is sixty seconds. It just takes a pause to rewrite old and unhelpful narratives and step away from harmful habits and step into a space where listening to the mind and body with kindness is possible. Learning to Pause teaches how to slow down reactive thought patterns, be gentle, and to take actions that benefit not just the self, but the surrounding community and even the world. Respected yoga and meditation expert Jillian Pransky provides the tools for listeners to take advantage of this urgent and essential skill—the medicine we truly need for these chaotic times. Intertwined with testimony from leading neuroscientists, social justice activists, and others who speak to why stepping away from reactivity is the key to breaking down both personal and global conflicts, Learning to Pause is a crucial resource for those who feel overwhelmed by the myriad difficulties that may seem unsurmountable in our current age.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Power of Pause: 90 Seconds to Calm, Reset, and Reconnect by Jillian Pransky
Non fiction. Self help.
Learn how and why to pause to rewrite and step away from harmful habits. Slow down and consider. Jillian Pransky is a respected yoga and meditation expert. In this book, you will learn to rethink habits and step back from being a part of conflict, even when it’s only internal.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this book. It is narrated by the author: Jillian Pransky. I always love it when an author narrates their own book. They know exactly what to emphasize and what nuances should be highlighted. This audiobook sounds professional, pleasant to listen to, and easy to follow and understand.
I did speed up the playback to more closely match local conversation speed.

My first thought at the title was for conversation with the boss or employee feedback pressure but listening I realized it’s much more and needs to be practiced in a non crucial place first to learn the process.
I learned more about the brain than I think I needed to know and there were more anicdotal passages than expected, but it was all helpful in getting the message across. Stop. Think. Etc. The best chapters were the last two, 15 and 16 with the practical steps to follow and learn to pause before instinctively reacting as usual.

I received a copy of this from Hachette Audio.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author shares her expertise to help readers learn strategies for calming down, resetting, and reconnecting. She uses an acronym so that learners can easily remember each of the six steps.

How many of us have said something thoughtless in the heat of the moment or reacted in a way that we wish we hadn't? I know I have, and I'm sure many of you have as well. This book provides guidance on how to slow down and pause before responding. It takes only a few moments to pause, and this pause can have a huge impact on you and the people around you.

As an educator, I highly recommend that all teachers read this book. It could help anyone be better at responding more than reacting to situations that push your buttons. And children can be great at pushing one's buttons, which is why I recommend it especially to those who work with or live with children.

It takes time and practice to make this pause automatic, but when it becomes habit, you will see a difference in your relationships.

Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for an ARC!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful touchstone from Jillian. I so appreciate the devotion to layering and repetition she takes in this book--a reminder that we are always welcome to begin again (and that by doing so, we can experience more and more access to go deeper when we stay). Jillian's LAR-LAR method is one of the foundations of my Restorative teaching practice, beautiful in its simplicity, comforting in its reliability, and enticing in its adaptability to each moment, each breath, each student. The other somatic practices, and of course the relatable and relevant stories, sprinkled through shine as more morsels to return to.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of profound wisdom. I am one of the lucky ones who has witnessed Jillian first hand - she has taught me so much about how to rest, connect and reflect in both her yoga classes, retreats, and now this amazing book. It’s super practical, easy to follow, and relaxing to read. I am learning to pause through the 90 second flashes of cortisol and be more compassionate with myself. The book helps you build a playbook for yourself that is easy to return to time and time again. She has a way of breaking down complex philosophies and science into easily digestible and memorable stories. I highly highly recommend it!

[Merve Iplikcioglu Kirtan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this book; it is a valuable guide for grounding ourselves and becoming more connected. The author explains how through her own experiences, sharing multiple stories supported by scientific data. I have attended her retreat several times, and each time I left feeling more centered, conscious, and calm. I deeply appreciate her teachings and methods.

One quote she uses during retreats—and also includes in the book—that I especially love is by poet and priest John O’Donohue: “Our bodies know that they belong; it is our minds that make our lives so homeless.”

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been pretty burnt out the past few years. Just full-time work, mamahood, trying to pursue hobbies. It's a lot. And this book was really nice to read. In fact, I might buy it so I can read it again, whenever I'm stressed.

[Jessie Lowry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given to me for a personalized yoga retreat by my Soul Friend Kim. A powerful practice!!!