SLOW DOWN

Mindfulness is a term which one often hears these days. But what is it exactly? Mindfulness is non-judgemental curious awareness. It happens in the present moment.  In order to really observe or notice things, we need to slow down. To pay attention with curiosity takes a little time, and is well worth it.

Our minds are accustomed to producing thoughts at a rapid rate, so that is the speed that we are used to operating at.  Unfortunately, at that pace, much in the world around us goes unnoticed.

When instead we pay attention to our thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and impulses, in this curious slowed down manner characteristic of mindfulness, we are rewarded with rich understandings and insights. The self-awareness and reflection that is gained is invaluable in personal growth.  They help us change so that we suffer less, and become more the people who we want to be.  The more we live mindfully, at a slower pace, the more we can choose how we act, rather than reacting, then regretting our reactions.  You can imagine how much more skillful and productive communication would be if people remained grounded, mindful, and take the time to choose what they wanted to communicate.

When we pay attention to others in this non-harried way, we notice things that give us valuable information.  This helps us conduct ourselves in more appropriate ways.

When we take the time to pay attention to our environment, there are benefits.  We are safer, because we notice danger and we have our intuition to guide us.  We find ourselves wondering with awe at the beauty and magnificence of nature.  And again, we learn through observation.

It also takes time to notice what is going on in the body, and how it is reacting to various stimuli, which is a huge source of information about ourselves.  In addition, it often takes some time for our bodies to release tension, either on their own, or in response to something positive.  If we slow down and allow the body the time it needs, we are rewarded with finding ourselves in a better state.  This is time very well spent, because the relaxed state is so pleasant, because it affects everything, including how we think, feel, and behave, and because we are cultivating more pleasant and productive habits of being for the future by experiencing it.

When one first starts to slow down, it can feel unnatural, in part because it is unfamiliar.  But what a great skill to have, and to nurture. I encourage you â€" it is worthwhile to persist as you gain experience in slowing down.