You’re so slow!
For long as I can remember “being slow” has been an insult. The slow coaches at the back of the race, being slow to pick up new things up, slow because you’re infirm or disabled, slow because you have a learning disability or learning difficulty like dyslexia. Slow was a word used to mean dumb. But what if being called slow could be a compliment?
I had a bit of an “a-h”a moment whilst out running in the rain this morning. As I reached the gate to the woods I paused to take off my rain jacket, as I’d be sheltered by the canopy of the trees. Normally I would pull back the handle to the gate which creates a loud creaking sound, letting the gate bang shut behind me. This morning, whilst pausing to unzip my jacket, out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of a shape that I thought was a dog but then realised was a deer. I stood perfectly still and watched it. A second roe scampered out from behind a nearby bush. We ended up playing a slow motion version of cat and mouse the deer would move and I’d creep along slowly crouch down to watch them. It dawned on me that if I hadn’t slowed down and paused at the gate, I never would’ve seen the deer.
It got me thinking about the value of slowing right down. I have crashed through my life at a fast pace wanting to cram in as much as possible into a finite about of time. I get very impatient when things are slow. I have to work hard not to get wound up or tip into mild road rage when driving behind someone who is going under the speed limit!
What if slowing down actually got your further? Like the tortoise in Aesop’s fable “the hare and the tortoise.” It sounds counterintuitive but slowing down can be the difference between success or failure, between thriving or burning out.
Slowing down provides greater clarity
I have seen clients in my counselling or coaching sessions take time to consider, reflect and ponder. It is only then that they develop greater insight into their behaviours, motivations, relationships and feelings.
Slowing down makes you really feel
When we dash, we miss out. When you move slowly you see more, you feel more, you experience more at a deeper level. Forest bathing is all about going real slow in order to awaken the senses and experience more. Why not pick an activity – be it cooking, cleaning, sex, walking and slow things down and see what you notice – the stuff that you would have otherwise missed if going at a pace.
Slowing down makes you fuller for longer
Have you ever mindlessly eaten in front of the TV and then wondered where all the crisps or chocolates or biscuits have gone? Slowing down and being intentional with your food can be far more satiating. I am sure you have heard of the mindful exercise where you take a raisin, study it, lick it, place it on your turn, suck it then eventually chew. The saliva glands are going crazy at the anticipation of the taste. If you have not tried it – give it a go and notice how your senses become heightened rather than dulled.
Slowing down puts the body in a state of rest and repair
Think of your brain like a car engine, if you always have your foot to the floor and drive at 100mph, the engine will overheat and you will crash. When you slow down and make time for rest and meditation you lower your baseline for mental stress. When your mind is not racing you are free to absorb information, process and assess in order to make well thought through decisions.
Slowing down stops you from feeling anxious or panicked
It is when our heart rate increases that electrical and chemical messages are sent to the brain that we are in danger. The brain then releases a whole load of chemicals and hormones including cortisol (stress) and adrenaline. Practicing deep, slow breathing can ensure that your brain is not given the message that you are in trouble and you can maintain a sense of calm and peace….. by just using your breathe! I tell you breathing is the superpower that we don’t realise we have.
So next time you are rushing, dashing, bulldozing, racing, feeling impatient, challenge yourself to go slow and see how much further you get.