When life gets busy, slow down. What?!
Some of you might notice a reaction in your body or mind to this statement and think, "Well, that seems counterintuitive!" But hear me out.
Do you ever wake up in the morning, and before your feet even touch the floor, your mind races with a mental to-do list? It's like you're off to the races before the day has even begun.
In our fast-paced society, it's all too easy to get swept away in the current of daily responsibilities, endless to-do lists, and the constant buzz of technology.
We often find ourselves racing from one task to another, barely pausing to catch our breath.
Yet, amidst this whirlwind of activity, there lies a powerful antidote: mindfulness.
The simple yet profound reminder to "slow down" can transform our life experience, allowing us to cultivate peace, clarity, and joy even in the busiest times.
When life becomes overwhelming, we tend to focus on what's next rather than now.
Our day becomes a to-do list, focused on rushing through tasks to check off and move on to the next. Many people spend their days like this and then go to bed thinking about what's on the list for the next day. It's never-ending.
No wonder life can feel overwhelming. No wonder we can feel disconnected from ourselves and from life itself.
In this state, we aren't truly living; we are existing.
The statement 'When your life is busy, slow down' confronts our ego, which will say, 'Slow down? What are you talking about?'
For the ego, doing everything fast is the best and only way. Everything is urgent, and the faster we can be, the more productive, efficient, and accomplished we'll be. We'll have it all together if we can take on a little more each day.
Is this true? I don't believe so.
Instead, we live harried lives in which possibilities for connection, reflection, peace, and gratitude are pushed aside as our brains take over and the autopilot switch flips on.
Slowing down to do the simplest of things can be challenging. For me, it is a practice - a skill that can be refined.
When I participate in retreats throughout the year, there is always an exercise where we are asked to slow things down and be fully present with whatever we are doing. This can cause a lot of agitation in people.
This exercise and practice encourages us to notice our surroundings, our thoughts, and our feelings without judgment. By anchoring ourselves in the here and now, we can appreciate the little things that often go unnoticed—a warm cup of coffee, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, or the laughter of a loved one.
Slowing down invites us to reconnect with the present moment.
We often rush to get everything done, but you might have more time if you slow down even a bit. Time has a way of stretching, and slowing down can enhance our productivity.
Time and again, my clients tell me that when they are more present and less rushed, they are more efficient and less stressed, and they end up getting more down. They are in a state of flow and can enjoy the process rather than just racing toward completion.
If I look back on a meaningful day, it's not usually because one big thing happened. It is because I was more present. I wasn't rushing to get something done. There was more flow and ease. My senses were alive. I was in my body, experiencing life.
What does this practice look like?
When I start my day with meditation, it sets the stage for the rest of my day. Meditation helps me be more present and aware and supports my grounding in the now.
It's like tuning into a frequency.
It doesn't matter how long you meditate—whether it is 5 minutes or 45 minutes. The practice of being here in the now will ground and support you in your life.
As I go about my day, I like to stop at different times and breathe. I take a few breaths. It is a beautiful way to pause, slow down, and be here now.
Conscious breathing relaxes our nervous system and nourishes our souls on many levels. It's simple and profound. It activates our body's relaxation response, helping lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promoting a sense of calm.
When life gets busy, remember that slowing down is not a sign of weakness; it's an act of strength and self-care.
So next time you feel overwhelmed by the rush of life, take a deep breath and remind yourself that it's okay to slow down. Your mind and body will thank you for it! Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Diane