Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.
John De Paola
Life today moves at such a fast pace that it seems to pass us by before we can truly enjoy it. Although time-saving new technology is available on every corner, we seem to be in a more rush than ever. Every second of our day is crammed with obligations. And when it’s not an obligation, it’s some form of pacifier designed to glue us to the screens. Fear of missing out (FOMO) is real for most people. But it doesn’t have to be.
We can deliberately choose to move at a slower speed. Change gear from fourth to second. Wake up early and enjoy your mornings because they are magical. Truly magical. Mornings are designed to accommodate slower-paced life. When everyone else is sleeping, you can take an hour or two and focus on yourself. Read, meditate, stretch, exercise, journal, drink coffee or tea and enjoy the sunrise. There are billions of possibilities to do in the early morning hours when the hectic world is still asleep.
One of the best ways to slow down is to take a deep breath. Deep-focused breath. If you’re stressed due to the amount of work, pause, and start breathing. Close your eyes and feel the air enter your body. With each breath, your body will become more and more relaxed, until your mind slows down, and you return to the present moment.
Do it right now and see what I mean 😊
Drinking water has many benefits. One of them is that can slow down your life. Pour a glass of lukewarm water, squeeze lemon juice into it, and enjoy your water slowly. Be mindful of every sip you take. As it enters your mouth, the tongue receptors can sense lemon juice and as you drink it, the whole body is refreshed and slowing down.
A favorite song can help you relax, put you in the moment, and slow your mind from thinking 10,000 thoughts at the same moment. It can bring back memories, put you in a good mood, and maybe even make you sing or dance. With good music, life is often easier and more joyful.
The average person have between 2,000 and 3,000 thoughts per hour. That’s a staggering amount of thoughts every day. And most of them are negative. What can you do about this? Catch them while meditating and gently release them. As you do that, tension from the body will also be released, and happiness can slowly creep back into your life.
Focus on what’s going on right now. On your actions, on your environment, on the people around you. Don’t think about the past or the future. Just be in the moment. Similar to meditation, but can be used everywhere and anytime. On the bus, at work, at school, while shopping, etc.
Instead of cramming food down your throat as quickly as possible, learn to eat mindfully. Appreciate every bite. Appreciate the flavor, culinary expertise, and texture. Eating mindfully can put you in the moment, but also has a double benefit of making you fuller on less food, and making the food taste better.
Go outside and get wet, feel the wind on your cheeks, enjoy the sun. Go into the woods, watch the sunset, listen to the chirping of birds, watch the kids play. Those experiences are magical and free. Don’t rush through life so you miss them.
Schedule 30 minutes and sit quietly under the stars. Observe them. Appreciate the vastness of all that is. Connect to the vast reservoir of wisdom and reflect on your life. Count the stars and acknowledge their beauty.
Every person needs time for rest and renewal. Set aside a day each week for doing nothing. No household chores, no obligations, no unfinished work. Sleep late, go on a picnic, take a nap, watch a movie, go to nature, listen to music, talk with friends. Do whatever you want. It’s time only for you.
Schedule 30 minutes for yourself each day. The easiest way to have a few minutes to yourself is early in the morning. Use a planner because if you don’t, there is a chance it won’t happen. During your sacred time, do some steps from above, or something different your heart desires. Sit quietly, daydream, listen to beats of your heart, make love, bathe, etc. Do your favorite thing and don’t regret lost time, because it’s not lost at all. On the contrary, it’s probably the best use of it in the day.
…
There is more to life than increasing its speed.
Mahatma Gandhi
Cheers!
–
If you found value in this post, please consider buying me a coffee or simply share this post with your friends and family.
Every dollar is greatly appreciated and will keep the True Change Today blog 100% advertisement-free.