Slow Down
Life is in a fast lane.
You know it, I know it ,
We all know it.
How many times do you take a second glance at the sunset in the delight of its beauty?
When last did you marvel at enchanting clouds or let glorious downpours trickle upon your cheeks?
When was the last time you took a deep breath, remembering to feel the moment?
We’ve been moving at a fast pace for so long that we barely recognize the little things.
Details. Lately, when I hear the word, all I can think about is looking closely at my work to find the loopholes that I have to fix. No more, no less.
It used to mean something different to me.
Like admiring a piece of art because it stands out, replaying a song because I love a part of the lyrics, or taking that amazing movie back because I couldn’t let a scene go.
Now, I barely take a second glance at anything that doesn’t tell the time.
It’s heartbreaking — but it seems necessary.
Yeah. It seems like going so fast is essential, especially if you have big ambitions and you’re stuck with 24hrs daily. So much to do, never enough time.
It feels like the whole world needs your attention so you give yourself to the frenzy of events that come calling.
Little wonder we’re anxious most mornings but can’t even address our feelings. There’s neither time to be sad nor joyful.
Sometimes, it’s harder to define what you feel.
Everything is just a wave of activities. Pushing, pulling, and tugging… but you really have to keep moving.
Life treads on a fast lane, I can feel it too.
Alexandra Potter wrote:
….“and so taking the long way home through the market I slow my pace down. It doesn’t come naturally.
My legs are programmed to trot briskly and my arms to pump up and down like pistons, but I force myself to stroll past the stalls and pavement cafes.
To enjoy just being somewhere, rather than rushing from somewhere, to somewhere.
Inhaling deep lungfuls of air, instead of my usual shallow breaths. I take a moment to just stop and look around me. And smile to myself.
For the first time in a long time, I can, quite literally, smell the coffee.”
— The Two Lives of Miss Charlotte Merryweather
It truly feels good to be in synch with the little details. To observe the world around you and actually stay in the moment. To align with those tiny bits that you spot like no one else.
Slow down.
Pay attention.
Take a deep breath.
You’d be glad you did.
