THE SWEETNESS OF SLOW LIVING

Once upon a time I was the gal on the scene, living, being, going, doing, playing, dining, drinking, and generally devouring life.  Looking back on those days brings me joy and appreciation for what they were, but an even deeper appreciation for what my life has become.  Almost a decade ago, without having a name for it, something shifted for me and I started to embrace a new way of being.  It happened organically over a period of time, but I started to notice that . . .

What was incessant activity gave way to more intentional engagement.

I let go of superficial and constant communication and made way for deep and meaningful exchanges.

Visiting 5 countries in ten days became less appealing than a month in one location, steeped in the little details only noticeable when slowing down and living like a local.

Instead of looking outside of myself for answers, I began to opt for deep introspection and self-development.

In general, I’ve traded in the fast-paced outward accomplishments in life for a slower, deeper engagement in life.  While my pace will still ebb and flow these days, there is no doubt I was meant to savor all this earthly experience has to offer through slow living.

What does that mean exactly?

Embracing patience.

Once the bane of my existence, I’ve learned the power and potency that come with patience.  I have more trust in the universe.  I can detach from situations emotionally in order to receive what is presented to me in the moment as just another piece of information.  I take more time to thoughtfully respond to requests or opportunities.  And I allow the deeper meaning and message not only to land, but to take root in the form of adjustments or actions I would benefit from in the moment.

I’ve learned to acknowledge that my perception of timing is not necessarily that which brings forth my highest and best outcome.  That my perception of time or timing often negates the possibility of an outcome that exceeds my highest hope.  Now, I embrace the softness of a limitation so I may reap the benefit of its wisdom.

Withholding judgment

Along with patience came an ability to release my need to assess any situation or person up front and in an instant.  As an intuitive and energetically sensitive person, my instincts are usually right on, but I’ve learned that snap judgments can inhibit rich experiences.  Allowing relationships, ideas, or projects to develop naturally and at an organic pace has led to some of the most rewarding collaborations of my life.  Fine-tuning these small things has allowed me to more finely tune my discernment and to trust in what it reveals.

Recognizing my changing needs

As stubborn as I may be, I’ve learned that my needs are constantly evolving and changing.  I’ve learned that nurturing all facets of myself proactively keeps me primed for better, faster, more enriched engagements in all areas of life.  Acknowledging who I am mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually has allowed me to tend to my needs in each of these areas.  Too many examples of previously ignoring these needs has allowed me to make them a priority.

Getting bolder

Small singular changes are easier to make because they don’t interrupt a status-quo life.  Making a lot of sweeping changes at once can seem daunting, but can yield exponentially better results and much more quickly.  When I took a pause in my life to assess how I was contributing to the world and my overall satisfaction with life, I realized I was sitting on an incredible opportunity.  My current set of circumstances wasn’t fulfilling me at all.  A brief pause, some introspection, some outside-the-box thinking and a big shot of courage made me realize that one bold move could put all of those misalignments back in place and allow me to catapult myself forward.  I wouldn’t say that level of boldness is recommended for everyone, but personally, I’d do it again in a heart beat!

Collaborating / Co-creating

In business partnerships, in a divine union partnership, in family bonds, in friendships.  Coming into this world with a  strong independent streak and highly introverted, my tendency was always to rely on myself.  My early perceptions of collaboration were rooted in insecurity instead of empowerment.  Fumbling through bouts of codependence and making my way to interdependence has brought many new dimensions of satisfaction to all my relationships, both personal and professional.

Embracing Endurance and Longevity

Most of my examples of early life showed me I was built for speed and power, not necessarily endurance or longevity.  My athletic, physical performance, my relationships, by attention span.  Understanding this about myself allowed me to work toward capturing the magic of both by working the short bursts that came naturally to me into a more fluid continuity that, instead of starting and stopping with many short bursts, developed with the help of strong bonds into longevity that serves a greater purpose for both me personally and how I’m meant to contribute to the world.

Slow can often be misconstrued as lack, stagnancy, or being less-than.  Pace, like time, while it an be measured, is subjective.

Slow living is far from boring.  It is rich, involved, developed, abundant.  It is not about pace as much as it is presence, and there is an inherent honoring in giving attention to the details of each experience meant to be savored.

Photo credit: Original photo by J Bristol