Conversation – 17

Learning to Slow Down

When we rush through our days and lives, we fail to notice the simple beauty of living.

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. AMEN! ✨✨

@kittengirl,

Good morning in California make it a safe and good day for your family.
Sending kitty hugs. ✨✨

Kitten I hope all is well with you and the family.

@shoelady60

Good day in the ‘burgh. ✨😘I hope you are nice and warm.

I am having leftover stew and it is delicious tonight I will add a salad and hubby and I
will eat it again. 💕

I see you mother and sister are on the downlow and doing social distance for their cruise.✨

I hope they have a good time. I am missing Jake I miss how you use to talk about him.

Blowing kisses at Jake’s Canvas. 😘✨

Here is something a little different but packs a punch. Get under the covers with this. 😜

@taci,

Good morning in S. California. 😘✨🌹May this be a good day for you. OZ is frozen
well what’s new? Tis the season.

Enjoy the hike today I am going for a nice long walk again with Poppy. Hey did you see
the moon last night oh it was beautiful I like late strolls in the moonlight. 😘✨

Hey Happy Trails To You. 🎶🎶

Enjoy with hubby after a nice long hike. ✨

@oodiebom,

Good day on the Gulf Coast. ✨✨I hope you and hubby enjoy your birthday celebration
no matter how you celebrate. 😘✨🌹

Glad you have 70 degree weather we are frozen in OZ I did get a good walk in with Poppy
this morning. 😎✨The stew was delicious and perfect for a day like today.

Here is some tea for you and hubby to enjoy now just relax. 😘✨

@xango,

Good day in Florida and I do hope you are warmer. ✨✨Why sure you can have some
of my stew there is plenty. I knew the rest of the week would be cold so I made sure
to make plenty. 😎😘

I love to hear of your travels to different countries so interesting. 😘✨😎

Here is a little something to keep you warm. Oz is at 22 degrees right now. YIKES! ✨

defg,

Enjoy your day in Maryland. ✨✨

@ddshoppy,

Good morning in S. Cali I hope you are feeling much better. ✨🌹Enjoy some sun.

@loaf,

Good day in the Rock and Roll Capital. Loaf here is to a safe and warm day for you
and the kids. ✨😜How are you today? OZ is around 22 degrees as I type this note.

We will get colder as the day goes on. I have plenty of left over stew what are you
cooking these days? I miss your MIL and how the Priest would come to Sunday Dinner.

Those were the good ole days. 😘🌹

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