But actually, I don’t think I know how to.
[Original post can be found on Medium]
I always try to find ways to live a slower and less stressful life. I put boundaries in my workplace, I let myself have slow days at home. By slow, I mean that nothing gets done, lol.
But this evening, as I was in bed reading a book, I realized that I actually rush all the time. On a workday, in the morning I rush to get up and get to the gym. In the gym, I rush through my workout so I can get to work early and finish early. Lunchtime at work? I inhale my food, so I have more time to get out for a walk. Then I walk fast to get a bit of a workout out of it and get more steps in.
When I finish work, I rush home. I get home, I rush to prepare for the next day and try to get to bed early so I can get up early tomorrow. Yes, my life is full of structure and routine, but it’s still a life in a rush. Where am I trying to get to? Pension?
You know, I think I always rushed as long as I can remember. I would end up with bruises on my legs and arms as I would bump into table corners or doors as I rush God only knows where. Funny enough, that never helped me get more done. I could rush home to get to the sofa and do nothing then.
The thing is, I am not sure how to stop. How do I set this intention to slow down and learn to be here and now?
I know meditation is a great tool and I love to use it from time to time, but I don’t think that is not going to be enough.
So, here’s the plan for the next week. Why one week only? Because in a week, I’ll be flying home for holiday, and I promise you, it is going to be amazing but loud and full of people for two weeks with no meditation or slowing down.
This is what I will try to do until then:
- Stay off my phone and social media as much as possible
- Slow down my lunch walks and let myself sit down by the sea instead (yes, I am lucky to be having my lunch walks by the sea)
- Meditate daily
- Do one task at a time (I tend to multitask)
- Sit down and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee without my phone in hand or TV on.
Wish me luck!