Key to Being…

“Wisely, and slow. They stumble that run fast.”

~William Shakespeare

You’ve probably heard this before…slow down!  But not as often as…hurry up!  Quit stalling! You need to multi-task!

Meanwhile, we are starved for time and a feeling of connection, are missing the random, unexpected and simple beauties of life.  Is it worth it?

It’s ok for technology to evolve at hyper-speed.  Humans don’t evolve that way though, or at least not in a positive direction.  Nerves are shredded, patience is thinned, health suffers, vision narrows, kindness and the power of observation decreases.

Body and soul slowly exhaust themselves.  Some people start taking pills, others exercise obsessively, travel non-stop, find artificial comfort in food or drink.  All this and more is done to counteract the stress resulting from trying to constantly break speed records.

Health issues result from speed and stress

There’s a myriad of common ailments and health conditions that can crop up if we continue to run around like mad, continuously busy and stressing about everything that must be done and everything we want to do (and can’t find the time for).

• Psychological issues: depression, anxiety, addictions, and eating disorders are just a few examples
• Physical issues: weakened immune system, slower healing in the body, increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and autoimmune diseases, increased risk of allergies¹

Quality gets sacrificed for the sake of speed

Very simply, if you do everything quickly, there will often be a certain quality lacking.  I’m not just speaking of something physical you make or prepare, like dinner, but also of time spent with friends and family, taking the dog for a walk and not being present, swallowing your coffee without really tasting it and waking up in the morning not hearing the birds, raindrops or wind in the trees.

Life is beautiful.  Don’t miss all the magical little details because your foot is stuck to the accelerator.

Slow down slowly

Many people are used to, even addicted to rushing about, constantly being busy and doing one thing after another.  The mistake is often made to slam on the brakes on everything you’re doing and expect instant results.

Changing your lifestyle and philosophy takes time and patience.  Slow down a little at a time.  For example, start slowing down during one of your meals: breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Cook slowly, eat slowly and savor the food.  Or do the dishes slowly, drive home slowly, shop for groceries at a leisurely pace, being aware of our surroundings.  Once you start adding more and more “tasks” and events on your “slow list” it will become natural and a part of your life.

Check out more information on the slow movement.

“The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.”

~Moliere

References
¹ http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=stress-dangers