5 Ways That Slowing Down Changes Everything
How to calm your mind, stop reacting, and start brining your life into focus
Even when we’re moving slowly, we’re moving fast.
We might recognize that we feel like we’ve been going 100mph for months and decide to recharge for the evening.
But then we discover something truly frustrating:
Our minds are still racing after we slow down our bodies.
How are we supposed to win? If we are self-aware enough to notice we’re feeling blurry and decide to rest, why can’t we actually get to the resting part?
We experience this because our thinking habits are formed from the inside out. Constantly engaging with information, feeling rushed, and making decisions trains our brains to always be ready for what will happen next. So, even when we try to take it easy by resting our bodies, our minds are still racing a mile a minute.
Just because we’re used to feeling this way doesn’t mean we should accept it as normal. Most of us go through life simply reacting to one thing and then the next. When we do this, not only do we miss out on much of what life has to offer, but we also dampen our ability to grow. That’s because if we’re always reacting, we are never responding.
This is an important distinction to make because:
When reacting: we allow emotional/mental reflexes and conditioned behaviors to choose our path.
When responding: we make conscious, thoughtful choices in the present moment and walk our paths with intention.
Becoming more connected to ourselves and the present moment isn’t hard–it just takes a little practice. Tune in to your awareness. Give that part of your mind that is always observing (not acting) a little love as you go through your day. You’ll start to notice when you’re clenching your shoulders, breathing shallowly, reacting without thinking, and operating on autopilot.
When you notice this, use that moment of mental space to counteract the reactive behavior you are witnessing.
If you:
…notice you’re breathing is short–take several deep breaths.
…notice you’re holding tension–relax your muscles.
…notice you’re reacting–pause and be thoughtful.
…notice you’re on autopilot–tune back into your intuition.
What’s incredible about the mind is that it’s always trying to serve you. The key is that it needs guidance, or it will reinforce your default habits. Being mindful of your actions will rewire your thinking. After a little practice, slowing down and being more present will become second nature–and your new default way of being.
A few beautiful benefits you’ll start to recognize after you practice slowing down are:
1/ Slowing down deepens your connections. Listening closely to people you care about helps you truly hear, support, and validate them. Doing this grounds your relationships in trust and authenticity.
2/ Slowing down keeps you in touch with your intuition. Listening to your inner voice for guidance is how you find your way to truth, meaning, and happiness. Staying aware of it makes sure you won’t step off your path.
3/ Slowing down helps you notice when you’re about to do or say something you know doesn’t serve you. Changing your behavior in the moment helps you grow into who you want to be.
4/ Slowing down allows you to notice when you’re being unfair to yourself. When you notice you’re buying your own negative self-talk, you can mindfully break the cycle and choose to positively affirm yourself.
5/ Slowing down helps you stay in the present moment. It’s easy to be distracted and live 10 seconds in the future. Awareness helps you remember to stay present and embrace the peaceful beauty of each moment you are alive.
That’s all for today, friend. Stay slow.
Much love.
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Thanks Cory, there can never be enough reminders. ❤️
Cory, Well written and very helpful. D