Daily Om's Thought for the Day

Every once and awhile I feel the need to share these daily postings that I get by email every morning. This one especially hit home as I am scrambling in so many directions to get the new store up and going. Had a great meeting today with the owners of the building we are leasing, and while we still have 3 weeks before we can even get in there, we are shooting for a Nov 7th opening. Got home and read this after a very busy busy day. I am posting it here so that I re-visit it often in the weeks to come. It is my yoga practice that seems to keep me centered, and reading at night. Since I only get to yoga 2x a week, but read every morning and night, I am going to slowly........................work up to a daily practice at home. The turtle, long a symbol of wonder/respect/love in many of our lives will need to visit me more often. Ok, Charma, now I know why you keep so many of them on your dashboard.......a visual reminder....to slow down and enjoy! I would love it if you all shared with me your ways to slow down.............and go at a snail's pace. luvyaallsu.

September 24, 2008

Enjoying a Snail’s Pace, Doing Things Slowly

Life can often feel like it’s zipping by in fast forward. We feel obliged to accelerate our own speed along with it, until our productivity turns into frenzied accomplishment. We find ourselves cramming as much activity as possible into the shortest periods of time. We disregard our natural rhythms because it seems we have to just to keep up. In truth, rushing never gets you anywhere but on to the next activity or goal. Slowing down allows you to not only savor your experiences, but also it allows you to fully focus your attention and energy on the task at hand. Moving at a slower place lets you get things done more efficiently, while rushing diminishes the quality of your work and your relationships. Slowing down also lets you be more mindful, deliberate, and fully present. When we slow down, we are giving ourselves the opportunity to reacquaint ourselves to our natural rhythms. We let go of the “fast forward” stress, and allow our bodies to remain centered and grounded. Slowing down is inherent to fully savoring anything in life. Rushing to take a bath can feel like an uncomfortable dunk in hot water, while taking a slow hot bath can be luxuriant and relaxing. A student cramming for a test will often feel tired and unsure, whereas someone who really absorbs the information will be more confident and relaxed. Cooking, eating, reading, and writing can become pleasurable when done slowly. ! Slowing down lets you become more absorbed in whatever it is you are doing. The food you eat tastes better, and the stories you read become more alive. Slowing down allows you to disconnect from the frenzied pace buzzing around you so you can begin moving at your own pace. The moments we choose to live in fast forward motion then become a conscious choice rather than an involuntary action. Learning to slow down in our fast-moving world can take practice, but if you slow down long enough to try it, you may surprise yourself with how natural and organic living at this pace can be.

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