September can be a very fast-paced month. Summer holidays are over. Our activities are back in full swing, and our days can quickly become crammed with back to back responsibilities. Slowing down, even a little, can be a wonderful way to bring a touch of presence to our busy schedules. We’re not suggesting hanging around in a tree all day, like the sloth in the picture above. But we can take a few seconds, here and there, to consciously slow down, even on our busiest days.
Hit the PAUSE Button
We did a little musing here at Still Sitting and came up with a few quick ways to hit the pause button. Most of these ideas take just a few seconds. Give a few a try and let us know what you think. We found that these can help create a little pocket of space, even in the middle of a crazy jam-packed day.
- Breathe. This is a big one. You don’t need to know anything here, or learn a new technique. Just simply take a conscious breath. Be aware that you are breathing and feel your chest rise and fall. You can do this just once, or as many times as you think of it, throughout the day.
- Enjoy traffic. Sitting in traffic is a frustrating part of the day for many of us. Often we get more and more annoyed as we look for ways to get ahead and move faster. For a few moments, stop rushing, breathe, look around. Listening to some great music or a good book may help you enjoy a little time in the car.
- Slow your stroll. If you find yourself rushing from place to place, try taking a few steps at a leisurely pace. See if you notice anything new around you. Feel your feet on the ground and the breeze on your face.
- Look outside. Is there a tree? The sky? A squirrel? Just notice your natural surroundings for a moment. This is an especially great practice if you spend a lot of time staring at a screen. Look up, often. Let your eyes find something beautiful to rest on for a few seconds.
- Unplug. Turn off your phone for a few minutes when you’re with a friend or family member. Practice just being present with them.
- Do one thing. For a minute or two, try just doing one thing at a time. See where your mind will wander.
There are so many small ways to slow down and create a feeling of space in your day, even with small actions like these. Leave us a comment below and tell us what helps you slow down.
“Smile, breath, and go slowly.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh