Slowing Down is Medicine

In the frenzy of modern life we are often in a whirlwind of activities, deadlines and commitments. We pride ourselves on our ability to multitask, but this constant hustle often leaves us feeling drained and disconnected. The incessant pace can lead to burnout, overwhelm and a sense of emptiness. It's as if we are running on a never-ending treadmill, with no time to catch our breath.

I started my weekend with a morning run in nature rather than being on the treadmill of life. My pace was a little steadier than usual and that was more than ok as to be totally transparent with you I haven't been in the best emotional, physical or mental state for the past few weeks due to a variety of situations. 

Yes it was damn cold outside - I could tell as I had full length tights on and kept my jumper on the whole run - the wind was absolutely howling last night so I knew it would be a cold start to the morning but nothing gets in the way of connecting with my breath and moving my body in one way or another every day.

Slowing down is essential for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It enables us to step off the treadmill of life and create space for reflection, rest, and rejuvenation. When we slow down, we become more present and mindful, enhancing our ability to appreciate the little moments that bring joy and contentment.

The idea of slowing down can feel like a radical act. It is in this slowing down that we often find the true essence of peace, calm and joy. By allowing ourselves to pause, we open the door to a deeper connection with our inner selves and the world around us.

Slowing down is not about abandoning our responsibilities or giving up on our goals. Instead, it’s about creating space for reflection and mindfulness. It’s about recognising that rest is not a necessity rather than a luxury. When we slow down, we give ourselves the chance to recharge and refocus. We allow our minds to wander, our bodies to relax and our spirits to rejuvenate.

Poet Rainer Maria Rilke once shared that "The only journey is the one within." By slowing down, we embark on a journey within ourselves, discovering depths of insight and understanding that can only be accessed through stillness.

Peace often bypasses us when we are caught up in the chaos of life. By slowing down, we create a sanctuary of stillness where peace can flourish. This stillness is not about inactivity but about being fully present in the moment. Whether it's through meditation, deep breathing, or simply sitting quietly in nature, these moments of stillness help us reconnect with our inner peace.

Imagine sitting by a quiet lake, the water still and reflective. In this tranquility, the noise of the world fades away, and you are left with the serene beauty of the present moment. This is the essence of finding peace in stillness—a practice that allows us to reset and rejuvenate. 

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for cultivating calm. It involves paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and sensations free from judgment. When we practice mindfulness, we become aware of the present moment, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Mindfulness teaches us to observe our thoughts without getting swept away by them. It helps us to create a buffer between our reactions and our actions, enabling us to respond to situations with greater clarity and composure. This cultivated calmness extends into every aspect of our lives, from our interactions with others to our relationship with ourselves.

Joy is often found in the simplest of moments—those that we may overlook when we are rushing through life. Slowing down allows us to fully savour these moments. It’s in the laughter of a loved one, the beauty of a sunset, or the satisfaction and scrumptiousness of a nourishing meal. By embracing a slower pace, we open ourselves to the joy that is all around us.

When we slow down, we become more attuned to the small, delightful experiences that make life rich and meaningful. We notice the delicate aroma of blooming flowers, the warmth of the sun on our skin, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind. These simple pleasures, when fully appreciated, can fill our hearts with profound joy.

There are many practical steps to slow down. Keep reading to find out about these steps.

Prioritise self-care by making time for activities that nourish your body, mind, heart and soul. Whether it’s a hobby, a walk in the park, or a relaxing bath, prioritise self-care. Recognise that taking care of yourself is essential to your well-being and productivity.

Set boundaries by choosing to say no to commitments or people that drain your energy. Protect your time and energy by setting healthy boundaries.

Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. This could be through meditation, mindful eating, or simply taking a few moments to breathe deeply.

Disconnect from digital devices periodically. Use this time to connect with yourself and the people around you. The constant barrage of notifications and information can be overwhelming. By unplugging, you create space for meaningful interactions and personal reflection.

Simplify your schedule by reducing the number of activities on your to-do list. Focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest. Streamlining your schedule can help you reclaim time for rest and relaxation, allowing you to approach your tasks with greater focus and intention.

Embracing a slower pace of life is a journey that requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to valuing rest and reflection. As we slow down, we begin to see the world with fresh eyes. We discover that peace, calm, and joy are not destinations to be reached but experiences to be embraced in each moment.

By slowing down, we reclaim our power to live fully, authentically and wildly. We find that in the stillness, there is strength. In the calm, there is clarity and in the simplicity, there is profound joy. By embracing the medicine of slowing down we allow it to bring us back to the essence of our true selves.

In the words of Pico Iyer, author of the The Art of Stillness, "In an age of speed, I began to think, nothing could be more invigorating than going slow. In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention. And in an age of constant movement, nothing is more urgent than sitting still."

The practice of visualisation can help us reconnect with the joy of being, reminding us that peace, happiness and love are always within our reach. By regularly taking time to slow down and engage in visualisation, we can cultivate a deeper sense of calm and contentment in our daily lives.

As Eckhart Tolle so wisely says “In today’s rush, we all think too much, seek too much, want too much and forget about the joy of just being.” This quote serves as a gentle reminder to pause, slow down, and savor the present moment. In our quest for more, we often overlook the simple pleasures and profound joy that come from simply being.

The art of slowing down is a vital practice for reclaiming peace, calm, and joy in our lives. Through visualisation and mindfulness, we can reconnect with our inner selves and rediscover the beauty of just being. Let us embrace the wisdom of Eckhart Tolle and make time to slow down, reflect and cherish the moments that bring us true happiness.

One of my favourite, and I think one of the most powerful ways to slow down and reconnect with our inner peace and joy is through visualisation. This practice involves closing our eyes and reflecting on joyful childhood experiences and memories.

Below you will find a step-by-step guide to this visualisation practice designed to help you reclaim peace, calm and joy.

🕯️ Find a quiet space where you are free from distractions. Sit or lie down in a comfortable yet relaxed position.

🕯️ Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat this several times until you feel calm and centered.

🕯️ Visualise a Joyful Memory: Bring to mind a joyful memory from your childhood. It could be a time when you felt carefree, happy, and content. Picture the scene vividly in your mind’s eye, recalling as many details as possible.

🕯️ As you visualise this memory, engage all your senses. Notice the colours, sounds, smells and textures. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the experience.

🕯️ Pay attention to the emotions that arise as you relive this joyful memory. Feel the happiness, love, and peace that you experienced during that time. Let these positive emotions fill your heart and mind.

🕯️ Spend a few minutes savouring this memory. Let go of any thoughts or worries about the present or future, and simply enjoy the feeling of being in that happy moment.

🕯️ When you are ready, take a few deep breaths and slowly bring your awareness back to the present moment. Open your eyes and take a moment to notice how you feel.

If you are also ready to embrace the power of slowing down and reclaiming your inner peace, calm, and joy, we invite you to join us at the upcoming Rise Rejuvenate Reclaim Retreat. This retreat is designed to help you step away from the busyness of everyday life and immerse yourself in a sanctuary of rest and reflection. Over the course of the retreat, you will engage in practices that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, including mindfulness meditation, gentle yoga and nature walks, alongside a variety of other interactive workshops.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, explore your inner world, and rejuvenate your soul. Together, we will rise above the noise, rejuvenate our spirits and reclaim our true selves. Join us for this transformative experience and discover the profound peace, calm, and joy that comes from slowing down.

By embracing the power of slowing down, we open ourselves to a richer, more meaningful experience of life. In the quiet moments, we can hear the whispers of our soul, guiding us towards peace, calm and joy. Let us reclaim these gifts by choosing to slow down and savour the beauty of each moment.