to be intentional…
"Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves." -Thich Nhat Hanh.
It's an irony of our modern lives that while technology is continually invented to save us time, we use that time to do more and more things, so our lives are faster-paced and hectic than ever. Life moves so fast that it seems to pass us by before we can really enjoy it. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s rebel against a hectic lifestyle and slow down to enjoy life. A slower-paced life means enjoying your mornings instead of rushing off to work in a frenzy. It means taking time to enjoy whatever you’re doing, appreciate the outdoors, and focus on whoever you’re talking to or spending time with — instead of always being connected to a phone or laptop, instead of always thinking about work tasks and emails. It means single-tasking rather than switching between many tasks and focusing on none of them. Slowing down is a conscious choice and not always easy, but it leads to a greater appreciation for life and a greater level of happiness.
Here are some things that help me.
1. Do less. I understand how overwhelming it can be to juggle numerous tasks. It's important to make the conscious decision to lighten your load. Focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest. By creating space between your commitments, you can move through your days with a greater sense of calm.between activities and appointments, you can navigate through your days with a greater sense of ease.
2. Be present. Slowing down isn't enough - you must also be fully present in whatever you're doing. Whether you're thinking about the past, present, or future, gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Focus on your current actions, your surroundings, and the people around you. This requires practice but is crucial.
3. Disconnect. Remember the importance of disconnecting. Take control by powering off your mobile device or leaving it behind when feasible. If you spend the majority of your day in front of a computer, make a conscious effort to disconnect at times in order to concentrate on other tasks. Remaining constantly connected leaves us vulnerable to disruptions, perpetually stressed by incoming information, and at the beck and call of others' demands. It's difficult to slow down and center ourselves when we are constantly preoccupied with checking for new messages.
4. Focus on people. It's a common experience to be with friends, family, or colleagues, but not fully present. We might be physically there, but our attention is elsewhere, often distracted by our own thoughts or devices. It's important to recognize this tendency and make a conscious effort to be fully engaged with those around us. By being truly present, even a brief moment spent with loved ones can hold deep meaning and significance. This approach allows for genuine connections and a more meaningful use of our time.
5. Appreciate nature. I understand how challenging it can be to find time to connect with nature in our busy lives. It's important to take a moment to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Embracing outdoor activities like nature walks, hiking, or swimming can bring a sense of peace and rejuvenation. Whether you choose to experience this alone or with loved ones, the benefits of connecting with nature are truly invaluable.l, wholesome foods and experiment with delightful spices instead of relying on fat, salt, sugar, and frying for flavor.
7. Drive slower. Remember to slow down while driving. Speedy driving is a common habit in our fast-paced world, but it leads to many traffic accidents, stress, and wasted fuel. Instead, take the time to appreciate your surroundings and use driving as a peaceful time to contemplate your life and the things you're passing. By driving at a slower pace, you'll enjoy the experience more and increase safety on the road while using less fuel.
8. Find joy in everything you do. This is about being fully present and taking it a step further. No matter what you're doing, be completely in the moment and also take the time to appreciate every aspect of it, finding the enjoyable parts. For instance, when you're washing dishes, instead of rushing through it as a boring task to be done quickly, really feel the water, the suds, and the dishes. It can actually be an enjoyable activity if you learn to see it that way. The same applies to other chores or tasks that you may not look forward to doing.
Love,
XxS🪽
