Learning to slow down isn’t easy. Are you finding it hard too?
It is so easy to be in that busy mode and always feel as if we have to be occupied doing something. A month or two ago, we would wear that badge with honour. If someone asked what we had been up to, we would rattle off a whole lot of things. It didn’t feel right to be quiet and we almost needed to justify how busy we were. Many of us were brought up to believe that doing nothing was lazy so if we had some free time, we filled it.
Now everything is different.
We have been forced to slow dow, and to many, this doesn’t come easily. Adjusting to a new norm of peace and quiet can be hard to do and our overactive minds try and find a solution. As first, I, too felt very restless. I had closed my home clinic and suddenly felt lost. I was developing online offers but until they took off, I had time on my hands, and lots of it. How would I fill my days?
There were always chores to do around the house and admin tasks to complete in my business but I lacked routine, guidance and motivation. I wasn’t used to being silent and having so much free time. Doing nothing was discouraged in my childhood, apart from holidays, so how could I justify sitting still?
I decided to spend more time in nature as a way of finding my new normal. My family and I dug up the veggie bed and planted new seedlings. We pruned and tidied up the garden and I allowed myself time to sit in the sun with cups of tea and just contemplate life. I went on lots of walks in my neighbourhood and gradually started to slow down.
How hard is it for you to slow down? What if you gave yourself permission? How would it feel? Would you accomplish more or would you do less but more of what excited you, more of what you loved? Would you re-evaluate what was really important in your life?
Change can be uncomfortable and we may try and resist it. I certainly did! But as I have more time on my hands, I am looking at how I live my life and what I want to include, that I didn’t have time for previously. I’ve started a WuTao dance class online and I’m loving it. I’m working my Facial reflexology points in full, every day. I’m spending more time with my family and doing more things together. I’m looking at things that I want to include in my life and keep doing, once life returns to some normality.
Being home with other household members certainly has its’ challenges but lessons can be learnt even here. Tolerance and patience don’t always come easy but over time we can adjust. For those educating their children at home, this can be even more of a challenge. Perhaps the lesson here is appreciating just how much our teachers do.
Slowing down changes your outlook on the world and often this is a good thing. The space around you gradually expands and you find that you are actually enjoying this new freedom.
Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu once said, “Nature does not hurry yet everything is accomplished.”
Perhaps living life that way may be our new normal. I’m certainly starting to hope so.
Warmest wishes,
Judy xxx
Reference: Lao Tzu quote from AnneMaree Rowley meditation, Insight Timer.
Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.