Embrace the slow

A Journey to Mindfulness and Presence

In today's fast-paced world, where hustle and productivity are often glorified, it can feel like life is moving too quickly. Many of us are juggling multiple responsibilities, trying to keep all the balls in the air while feeling like we're not making any real progress. Recently, I've noticed this sentiment echoed by my clients and coworkers—feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, and a sense that life is just hard right now.

I can relate. As someone who has always thrived on being busy and getting things done, slowing down doesn't come naturally to me. But lately, I've found myself embracing the slow, not just as a reaction to the demands of life, but as a conscious choice to bring more mindfulness and presence into my daily routine.

Finding Peace in Simplicity

One of the first changes I made was to slow down the start of my day. Rather than leaping out of bed and getting straight into some exercise, I’ve started with meditation. I wrap up in a blanket sit in my swing chair and watch the sunrise. A beautiful transition from sleeping to wakefulness, giving my body time to wake up slowly.

Another practice that helped me embrace the slow was my fortnightly visits to the local hot pools. There's something incredibly soothing about soaking in warm water, especially when you can catch the sunrise. On some mornings, the sky is clear, and the sunrise is breathtaking. Other times, it's cloudy, and I don't see the sun at all. But either way, the experience of sitting still, focusing on the moment, and letting go of future worries is incredibly grounding.

Mindful Movement and Meals

Exercise has always been a big part of my life, and I love the challenge of pushing myself during a workout. But this month, I decided to approach my exercise routine differently. Instead of focusing on speed and intensity, I started to walk up my local maunga, Te Mata Peak, with a mindful approach. I paid attention to my body and the way I was moving, I listened to the birdsong and appreciated the changing cloud formations. This shift in focus allowed me to connect more deeply with myself and my surroundings.

I’ve also brought this mindfulness to my meal times. For years, I had a habit of eating on the run or while distracted by a screen. This month, I decided to make mealtime a mindful experience. I started sitting at the table, saying a karakia before eating, and truly tasting each bite. The difference was remarkable—not only did I enjoy my meals more, but I also noticed a positive impact on my digestion and overall well-being.

Multitasking

Multitasking is not a real thing, you are quickly switching attention between the two tasks rather than doing them simultaneously. This can work when neither requires a high level of attention, but it’s exhausting. We've all been there—trying to fold laundry while watching TV, or listening to a podcast while on a walk. But what I've learned is that multitasking can actually make us less present in each moment. By committing to doing one thing at a time and giving it my full attention, I found that I could enjoy and appreciate my tasks more fully.

Creating Space for Stillness

One of the most challenging but rewarding aspects of embracing the slow has been learning to say "No." This can be tough, especially when it means letting go of others' expectations. But by focusing on what's truly important to me, I've been able to prioritize my own needs and create space for stillness in my life.

For instance, I've started to incorporate small, intentional pauses into my day. Whether it's reading a book, watching the clouds, or using my foot massager, these moments of stillness have become essential to my emotional hygiene. They remind me to slow down, be present, and enjoy the simple pleasures that life has to offer.

Embracing the Slow as a Lifelong Practice

This journey of embracing the slow is ongoing, and it's teaching me that there's value in both the fast and the slow. We don't have to be just one thing—we can be dynamic, changing with the seasons of our lives. For me, this month has been about finding balance, letting go of the need to rush, and discovering the joy in taking things one step at a time.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, I encourage you to try embracing the slow in your own life. Start small—maybe with a mindful meal, a walk without distractions, or simply saying "No" to something that doesn't serve you. The benefits of slowing down are profound, and they might just surprise you.

Let's see what happens when we embrace the slow. 💚

If you're curious about how to get started on your own journey of embracing the slow, I'm here to help. You can book a time to talk with me here.