Five lessons learned from slowing down
Reflections on the last month of going slow and why it's vital to keep going. Plus, vote for June's theme, Anne Bancroft quote, affirmation, and more!
After today, we're easing into a new theme for June.
What feels most aligned for you?
Learning about codependency or dopamine detoxes?
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Five lessons to learn from slowing down
May's theme on slowing down might have affected me the most this year.
It came at a crucial moment when quite literally everything changed.
I'd love to hear your takeaways and the transformations you experienced!
Hit reply and let me know, or share it here with other TGSers.
Here's a summary of what was discussed and learned.
1. Slowing down is vital to well-being
The world runs contrary to nature.
It's too fast and doesn't honor the ebbs and flows of the seasons or life.
As a part of nature, we require more rest than we think.
We require flexibility and a willingness to have our seasons.
Seasons of rest.
Seasons of sowing and then reaping.
We need time to hear ourselves and then act upon what we discover.
2. It must be intentional
Creating an environment that encourages us to slow down to our natural rhythms won't come from anyone or anywhere outside us.
If we wait for the government, we may die before any change happens.
No boundary will be created for us.
Enjoying a slower lifestyle starts with us.
It doesn't require big, sweeping, overwhelming steps either.
It only requires awareness and choosing one different action at a time.
Picking up a book instead of watching YouTube.
Cooking dinner instead or ordering takeout.
The more we switch the speedy to analog, the more we can heal the harm overstimulation can cause.
Because of this month's theme, I bought two books about dopamine to learn its purpose, effects, and why it’s crucial to detox.
I'll keep you posted on those!
3. Slowing down shows we trust everything works out for our greatest good
The ultimate rebellion against a world that tells us to go faster and want more is to let go and lean in.
I’ve had multiple opportunities to embrace letting go, and rather than reacting (the fast-paced option) like usual, I chose to practice surrendering.
It's not easy for someone with anxiety.
However, the only way to change a habit is to make a different choice when that pattern is triggered.
4. It’s valuable to take time to listen to ourselves and get help when needed
Spending time on anything that isn’t for a tangible outcome can feel wasteful or awkward in a world that rewards productivity and outcomes.
This also prevents us from genuinely knowing ourselves
We can only hear ourselves or get to know the real us by slowing down.
It’s far too easy to miss the raw present moments that rest between different events throughout the day.
If we intend to slow down, allowing ourselves the time to savor the present is easier.
The breaths between the sentences. The movements that need no words.
Sometimes, when we hear ourselves, we realize we need support and help outside ourselves, and we may finally set up that doctor or therapy appointment.
5. Slowing down helps us discover what we want
How else can we know what we want if we're too busy living at the speed of everything outside us?
Francesca
Did this spark any thoughts, questions, or insights? Tell us in the comments. I love hearing from you, and you never know who else needs what you have to say!
Good Quote
Good Question
Move up the ladder to higher vibrations by writing at the top of a blank page:
What does slowing down mean to me? How does it look day to day?
and see what flows from your pen. No judgment or editing.
Good Thinking
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Did this inspire any thoughts, questions, or revelations? Tell us in the comments. I love hearing from you, and you never know who else needs what you have to say!