“Slow down” this silly little phrase we use a lot with ourselves and others, when in reality, slowing down can be freaking hard. It seems we only really think about slowing down when we're feeling unwell, when mistakes happen, on the brink of a breakdown, or as a fix-it phrase when encouraging the people around us…”maybe you just need to slow down”…
Our minds are constantly processing an incredible amount of information. Studies suggest that the average person has around 6,000 thoughts per day…thats A LOT of mental traffic! When we’re constantly on the move, our thoughts bounce around without much clarity or focus. Throw in distractions, social media, and all the other moving pieces fighting for our attention, and it’s easy to see why “slow down” is easier said than done.
Slowing down can be a powerful tool that impacts our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In a world that prioritizes speed and productivity, slowing down is a powerful tool for connecting more deeply with ourselves, others, and our surroundings. It’s an invitation to be mindful, present, and engaged.
okay here’s a little nerdy visual for ya:
Imagine your brain is like a balloon, and cortisol is the air inside. Cortisol is a hormone that your body produces in response to stress. A little air (cortisol) keeps the balloon floating, keeping you attentive, aware, alive! But too much stress, too many thoughts, a whole lot of distractions is kinda like blowing too much air into the balloon—it gets tight and feels like it’s going to pop! To keep the balloon just right, you need to let some air out.
Slowing down is like letting some of that air out. I also want to be really realistic about this because although slowing down may not solve everything or make you feel great right away, the practice of slowing down can help release some pressure, reduce cortisol levels, and allow your nervous system to start regulating. It also gives you the space for clarity on what you might need more of or less of in that moment. Slowing down might not fix all the challenges; slowing down is like a little refresh button that can give you a little new perspective.
The theme for September's cleanup will be practicing slowing down, at each cleanup, we provide the tools and space to participate in a reflection and usually have a special activity that goes along with the theme. I am stoked about this month’s activity and can’t wait to share. Last month, it was asked if we could share the reflection before the cleanup, and I LOVED that idea because I know that it’s way easier for me to process things before I’m in a group with people. I also love sharing these reflections with you so others can participate with people literally all over the world…how neat is that?!
So here is your invitation to slow down and a little reflection to practice being present. I call it a practice because I believe it really is that. Learning to slow down, practicing being present in the moment, quieting our minds and the 6,000 plus thoughts a day, takes time, it takes patience, give yourself grace and enjoy the gift that is the “PRESENT”…yes that was a cheesy pun & yes I hope it did make you smile :)
