Slow Down to Flourish

Rushing from one meeting to the next. Tackling one task after the other. Multi-tasking and organizing while watching the kids. Falling into bed, drained, exhausted and overwhelmed.

We have learned to believe that getting through our day somewhat scripted, on a routine is how we get most things done. And although those routines aren’t necessarily bad, but an unnecessary overreliance can be. We are getting comfortable and with comfort, we miss opportunities, even make mistakes as our minds drift. We’re not in the present moment anymore. Sound familiar?

A while ago, I met a wise man in India who taught me the art of slow living - living with more purpose. He walked, ate and spoke with intention. He treated most of what he did as a meditation. At first, I felt like things will never get done. Yet, soon I realized, that by approaching tasks with more intention, I felt lighter, more present, more connected and had more profound experiences – and everything that truly mattered got done.

When we slow down, and focus our full attention on the present moment, we will experience that everything that we do becomes more purposeful. It might seem counterintuitive at first, but slowing down can actually speed up growth and lead to a more desirable outcome. It helps us to see what’s really happening, rather than working from assumptions.

Slowing down, is the key to create a flourishing mindset which is at the core of a healthy growth and well-being. Ultimately, we see clearer, and will be able to prioritize and focus on what truly matters in that moment.

Some ways to create a moment of slow down

1)    Put your cell phone away… and turn it around.

2)    Focus on your breath...deep inhale, and eeeexhale…

3)    Add white space…to your home and to your calendar

4)    Practice using your senses…what do you smell? what do you taste?

5)    Practice gratitude… so much to be thankful for

If you are an A-Type personality, this is much harder and requires more work. Yet it will be rewarding and we shall also never forget that our A-type personality ultimately got us here. But it might not get us to where we want to go next.

The wise man who I met in India is now my husband and my greatest teacher.