As someone diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) years ago, it is easy for me to get stuck in my mind. I tediously analyze situations from every possible angle until I have subconsciously built an entire empire of doubt, worry, and pressing urge to figure it all out. I know it is natural for us as humans to use this beautiful brain we have, but at times we need to not indulge in its desire to take the lead all the time.
I observed a while ago that when I start acting “fast” it is usually fear that is speaking to me and causing me to search for a way to be “safe” once again. When I feel wired, overwhelmed, rushed, or confused it is usually because I am searching for an answer and cannot find one. I then feel defeated and retreat back to my old ways but I never do calm the feeling except for placing myself stuck back in my old limiting ways.
Eventually figured out that if I can slow things down, even just a tiny bit, clarity can surface from the depths. I stop making decisions or panicking about the unknown. I stop trying to control the outcome (this is so hard!). I stop snapping at my children and refrain from self-sabotaging for not moving forward.
Notice how fast we function in fear. Time seems to speed up exponentially. We react in fight or flight or freeze and the world races right by us leaving us to feel helpless, angry, or cowardly. But if we can slow down enough and gain a sense of safety, or at least minimize the false sense of urgency, we can usually hear what our soul is trying to say. This is where we should make our decisions from and design our life around.
When we fill our lives with constant chaos it only perpetuates. We need to take moments to slow in order to fully understand what our soul is crying for. We must take time to rest and enjoy moments of slowness if we ever want our life to be all we are hoping it to be. I realize it seems counterintuitive, especially in a “bigger, better, more” society, but it is one of the simplest ways to live an intentional and fulfilling life.
So…
Take some time right now if possible to get quiet, meditate, and feel something in each of your five senses.
How can you build in slow time each day, if only 5 extra minutes of putting the phone down before bed?
Transitions during the day (and life) are often the hardest because the speed is usually functioning fast by default. How can you buffer these time periods or make them smoother?
Where do you feel most “slow”? Is it in the woods? Under a fluffy blanket? Reading an encouraging book? Add 5 extra minutes in a day for something simple and slow and see where your life goes. :)
Closing question for further reflection: If you cut out the biggest rushed moment of your day each day, how would your new day unfold?
Read the poem Shade to remind yourself that sometimes we need to step out of the light to refill our cup.
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