Today, I still savor my alone time and am happiest when I have my hands in several different baskets at once, both in business and in my personal life. I love having projects, learning new things and being creative. I don't think these are qualities that will ever leave me, however, I do recognize the perks of slowing my roll periodically, to take some time to smell the flowers.
The way I see it, there is a time for doing and a time for just being, and although it may sound counterintuitive, slowing down can actually help us achieve our goals faster. For example, I have found starting each morning in meditation, creates inner calm and clear thinking, which results in a more peaceful and productive day. As well, I've noticed whenever I'm stuck or struggling to figure something out, if I just step away from it and go do something fun for awhile, invariably upon returning with a fresh perspective, I'm able to find a solution rather quickly. By simply slowing down, we make space for self-reflection, which can benefit all areas of our lives.
Here are a few more ways we can benefit from slowing down:
- Mindful Eating: Since our brains take 20 minutes to register that we're full, eating slower, chewing more, taking time to really taste our food helps us to not overindulge.
- Deeper Connections: When we slow down, we become better listeners and more empathetic, which decreases misunderstandings and conflicts and deepens our connections with others.
- Fitness: Slower-moving, low-impact exercises like yoga, Qigong and walking are just as effective as more strenuous workouts for keeping us healthy and are gentler on our bodies.
- Discernment: Rushed thinking can lead to poor decision making. Slowing down pulls us back into the present moment, which allows us to be more deliberate when considering our options.
By slowing down alittle, we become more present; more aware; more conscious.
It truly is, an ideal way to live.