December 27, 2006
The Time of Your Life
Learning to Slow Down
Throughout our lives, we are taught to value
speed and getting things done quickly. We learn that doing is
more valuable than merely being, and that making the most of
life is a matter of forging ahead at a hurried pace. Yet as we
lurch forward in search of some elusive sense of fulfillment,
we find ourselves feeling increasingly harried and
disconnected. More importantly, we fail to notice the simple
beauty of living. When we learn to slow down, we rediscover
the significance of seemingly inconsequential aspects of life.
Mealtimes become meditative celebrations of nourishment. A job
well-done becomes a source of profound pleasure, no matter
what the nature of our labors. In essence, we give ourselves
the gift of time—time to indulge our curiosity, to enjoy the
moment, to appreciate worldly wonders, to sit and think, to
connect with others, and to explore our inner landscapes more
fully.
A life savored slowly need not be passive,
inefficient, or slothful. Conducting ourselves at a slower
pace enables us to be selective in how we spend our time and
to fully appreciate each passing moment. Slowness can even be
a boon in situations that seem to demand haste. When we pace
ourselves for even a few moments as we address urgent matters,
we can center ourselves before moving ahead with our plans.
Embracing simplicity allows us to gradually purge from our
lives those commitments and activities that do not benefit us
in some way. The extra time we consequently gain can seem like
vast, empty stretches of wasted potential. But as we learn to
slow down, we soon realize that eliminating unnecessary
rapidity from our experiences allows us to fill that time in a
constructive, fulfilling, and agreeable way. We can relish our
morning rituals, linger over quality time with loved ones,
immerse ourselves wholeheartedly in our work, and take
advantage of opportunities to nurture ! ourselves every single
day.
You may find it challenging to avoid giving in to
the temptation to rush, particularly if you have acclimated to
a world of split-second communication, cell phones, email and
overflowing agendas. Yet the sense of continuous
accomplishment you lose when you slow down will quickly be
replaced by feelings of magnificent contentment. Your relaxed
tempo will open your mind and heart to deeper levels of
awareness that help you discover the true gloriousness of
being alive.
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