The sacred pause that transforms context-switching chaos into mindful leadership
Born from a "shadow calendar" hack, Selah combines ancient Hebrew wisdom with modern neuroscience to create 60-90 second mindful transitions that help you show up as your best self in every meeting.
As a design leader drowning in back-to-back meetings, I was struggling to show up as my best self. One meeting required leading and giving detailed feedback, the next demanded listening and asking thoughtful questions.
Without intentional transitions, I couldn't naturally switch modes. I was exhausted.
I started creating 1-minute calendar events before important meetings with coaching notes to myself:
This gave me exactly the mindset I needed before each meeting. It was a game-changer, but entirely manual.
Selah does something beautifully simple: it creates 60-90 seconds of intentional transition before each meeting.
Full-screen notifications catch meeting starts during deep work. A gentle "now" → "breathe" animation pulls you into the present moment, away from your previous task.
Review your upcoming meeting with any coaching notes you've added. Then engage in the scientifically-backed 4-7-8 breathing pattern to lower cortisol and improve cognitive clarity.
Finish each transition by clicking "I'm ready"—creating cognitive agency and intentional choice rather than reactive rushing. You enter meetings fully present and prepared.
Instead of rushing into meetings with my mind still on the previous call, I arrive fully present. My questions got better. My listening improved. My stress levels dropped noticeably.
When leaders model presence and intentionality, it creates "emotional contagion." My team started arriving more prepared. Our meetings became more focused. The quality of our work improved.
This isn't about time management or productivity hacks. It's about presence. Moving from reactivity to reflection, from speed to wisdom, from efficiency to effectiveness.
Mindful transitions between meetings
Guided breathing exercises
Calendar integration
From the Hebrew Psalms, Selah appears 71 times as a transition marker—an intentional pause for reflection at crucial moments. It functioned as an ancient device for human flourishing: a reflective pause to process life's tensions and find renewed strength.
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind." —1 Peter 5:7-8
When leaders model presence and intentionality, it creates "emotional contagion"—your team becomes more present too. The result: more focused meetings, better decision-making, and sustainable leadership.