The Beauty Of Slowing Down

By: Heather Blanchard

I follow a wonderful yoga teacher online named Mariel Witmond, whose messaging often seems relevant for all. Mariel and her family were on a journey for a while to leave their busy lives in London and spend more time relishing their life and children. They recently settled down in Ibiza, and after feeling more settled and grounded she sent this message to her followers:

“I’m finding more pockets of space to think and feel and just be, which always brings rise to interesting contemplations when we allow ourselves to listen. I’ve spent a lot of my life pushing things forward (I’m a brilliant doer) but I’m recognizing how this depletes me.”

She goes on to say she’s allowing herself to receive instead of constantly give, and to remember that we still move forward when we slow down. Her message reflects what far too many of us feel as we move through the week. We often don’t allow ourselves the time needed to slow down, relax or have fun. We work too much and fill the hours of our days with far too many tasks. And then we’re tired. It’s like an epidemic in our country. We long for another hour in our day, another day in our weekend or another vacation. Perhaps if we paused and did a little less we could appreciate the richness of each day, and our zest and energy would rise. If we gave ourselves time to get more connected in our communities our happiness would rise. 

“It’s like trying to sculpt with a blunt tool. Slowing down allows us to sharpen our tools to create a more refined and beautiful work of art.” ~ Mariel Witmond

Did you know there is actually a Slow Movement? It began in the 1980’s in Italy when a group of restaurant owners felt forced to open a McDonald’s in Rome. Instead, they began a movement in honor cultural food traditions. In 2004, a man named Carl Honoré brought the Slow Movement into the mainstream with his prize-winning book In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed. Those wo embrace this lifestyle tend to live with more presence, covet time for self-care, are more eco-conscious and connected to nature, build stronger relationships and live with more fulfillment and purpose.

“Slow living is all about creating time and space and energy for the things that matter most to us in life, so ask yourself what you stand to gain.” ~ Brooke Mcalary

Here’s the thing – you don’t have to move to another country or island to slow down. It’s a conscious effort to live your very best life, and that’s something we should all strive for. After all, we are here to live well, to find connection and love with others and be happy. 

Xoxo, Heather