Moving through life at a quick pace and ignoring our needs in order to move onto the next thing has become quite normalized and even expected.
I’ve struggled for quite some time with how to break this pattern and slow life down to a pace that is right for me. I had to do some digging. But I wanted to live a life that felt nourishing instead of draining.
I realized that this isn’t just about doing less. It’s a way of being.
And is especially important if you are highly sensitive like me. Your body gives you a more pronounced signal to slow down and you can’t easily ignore it. This can be a big challenge when you are living in a culture that doesn’t support attuning to your body as you’re living your day and actually meeting its needs.
Part of shifting into a new rhythm that feels more aligned for you is noticing what you’re being influenced by. What “soup” are you living within? What beliefs did you absorb from culture, family or community? How is living in a patriarchal, consumeristic culture that is based on productivity, and views time as linear (if this is part of your “soup”) affecting how you live your life?
Consciously deciding how you want to live and what beliefs you want to hold on to or let go of is key.
Other ways of living are possible. and marinating in examples of those living in a way where they are thriving not just surviving. Eastern philosophy and cyclical living (menstrual cycle awareness, seasonal awareness, phases of life, astrology and human design) all offer models for living at a more reasonable, whole body thriving pace.
Pausing and integrating are skills you practice and become ingrained. You begin to move with the innate flow of nature. The way you were built to live all along. A sense of connection- with the earth, the cosmos, the unseen world- becomes available.
But you can’t get there from your head. Your whole being must be involved. And without moving through life embodied rather than leading with just your head will make this impossible (darn cultural conditioning!). From the head, you’ll struggle to fully tune into your needs, be present and savor the richness that is available in every moment. Embodiment brings awe, gratitude, synchronicity and joy that fills you up with nourishment- even in times of challenge. It opens you to a current of mystery and magic that begins to dance in your awareness. One that was there all along.
Getting clear on what matters most- and setting boundaries around what doesn’t- is part of slowing down too. It takes courage to speak your needs and live in alignment with a pace that is right for you.
Spaciousness in your day isn’t a luxury or something we gift ourselves when the hard work is done. It’s necessary for thriving- physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
Taste what “slow” feels like for you. And don’t underestimate the tiny shifts.