Dear people,
A lot of times people only seem to appreciate fast. Fast results, fast healing, fast changes, fast transformation.. fast everything. Yet, there is so much power in slowing down, in taking your time, in allowing things to simmer before you make changes, take a decision or leap forward. You can see that quite clearly in nature and in cooking. So today I'm writing about the power of Slowing Down.
Why slowing down is no longer appreciated
For many people - slowing down automatically means losing time, getting less results or feeling old. Fast has become something to strive for. Yet, we all know that fast isn't always better. Some things need time before they are ready, like a good stew. You simply can't make good stew in 5 minutes, no matter how high you put the fire. And a good cook will tell you that the stew is often even better the next day - as all the flavors have had time to mingle.
Yet if you look at your own life, are you taking the time you need? Or are you rushing into making decisions or getting things done fast for the sake of fast? Ever taken the time to slow down and let things simmer for betters results?
Appreciating the benefits of slowing down
So when we choose to no longer focus on fast, we can move from finishing our tasks, towards mindfully staying connected to the right rhythm. Fast tends to connect us only to our heads - were our thoughts and observations are racing around. Slowing down allows us to reconnect to our bodies - feeling what is going on there, what we need or want. We can flow towards our hearts and feel deeply what we've been carrying or what we desire for our future.
Slowing down gives us time to look at the bigger picture, to allow our inner child to play, without pushing the envelope. Play is a wonderful way to get great results is a relaxed, slowed down way. It focuses on enjoyment, higher vibrations and wonder. That road leads to a lot more satisfaction then looming deadlines and stress.
How to slow down
If you are used to minimizing time and feeling that less time is more efficient, it can really frustrate you to slow down. Yet if you understand that slowing down gives better results sometimes and might be more efficient in the long run, it might be much easier for you to give it a try.
I don't recommend slowing down with everything or all the time, but just allowing yourself to feel what a different rhythm does to you. Small ways of slowing down can be something as simple as slowing down your walking speed, choosing to take the stairs slowly, going around the block an additional time or taking the long way around. Observe how you feel and what a small slower moment does to you, your feelings, your well being and your mind.
If you are eager to slow down more, you can choose to do an activity slower like cooking, a creative hobby or even something as simple as taking a longer lunch.
Slowing down exercise
- Take around 10-20 minutes for this exercise
- Make sure you are comfortable and can't be disturbed by your phone etc.
- Imagine your life moving like a stream of a river
- You gently float above it, seeing the stream move
- Now consciously try to reduce the speed
- Feel your heart also slow down and take deep and slow breaths
- As you reduce the speed more and more, you are able to see more in the water
- You can check for bubbles, for foam, for fishes or anything else that interests you
- Take some time to check the water and gain insight
- Take deep and slow breaths
- Allow the river to move even slower and see if the water clears up more for you
- You can gentle dip your fingers in and ask for insights
- Whenever you feel ready, release your river
- Gently open your eyes, drink a bit of water and do some grounding
Want more slowing down vibes? Check out my Creating Joy: Slowing Down video or try out the Slowing Down Manifestation Meditation. I'd love to hear your ideas to slow down, so please comment here on the blog or on linked videos.
I will be the first to admit that I am often in need of more patience. A lot of people feel I'm patient, because outwardly I am often very calm. Yet I am often plagued by inner frustration when people are late or when things take a longer time then I would want. I don't grit my teeth, but I do try to work on inner calm as well. Sound familiar? Try some affirmations today on creating more patience.
I write my affirmations in different levels so you can see what resonates with you and what you want to work on. You might start with a lower level that resonates and then move your way up.
Find more patience by listening to the 5 minute Patience Manifestation Meditation on my YouTube Channel.