I spend hours a week practicing yoga and meditation (ok, maybe it’s only minutes in meditation) with the hopes I’ll slow down. I get all into it –either moving or sitting with the breath so my mind can settle and my body can be calm.
Then class ends, and I rush to roll up my mat, put away my props and be on my way.
I’m still in a hurry.
Like 95% of the time.
When walking the kids to school, I’m usually a step or two in front of them. It doesn’t matter if we’re holding hands, I’ll just pull them along. There’s no stopping to talk about the quoins and sils GL sees on the buildings (because of her architecture study) — nope, I’m in a rush and we need to keep going…
It’s the same thing at bedtime. Hurry up and get in your PJs, brush your teeth, let’s read the book and be done with it.
It was a year ago when I posted this. GL was slowing us down with her training wheels. I wanted to go on family bike rides, but her scooter couldn’t keep up.
Well, she’s not slowing us down on the bike path anymore… GL took off on a two-wheeler!
Actually, it was several months ago, but it wasn’t until this past weekend when it really hit me.
Perhaps it’s because her 7th birthday came and went, but I felt the pinch — my baby is growing up.
Those slow, quiet days when it was just the two of us at home alone are long gone.
Now, we’re bike riding side by side. Soon she’ll want to go off on her own.
Recently, a friend – who has a daughter the same age as M – was saying that in 8 years they’re off to college. At first, I was kind of shocked she’d thought it out so clearly (I can barely plan for the upcoming weekend!), but then I realized 8 years will fly… just as the past 8 years have.
Why such the rush when it’s these moments — NOW — that matter?
3 simple tips to slow down:
Breathe in. Pause.
Breathe out. Pause.
Keep practicing (mindfulness, yoga, meditation…whatever your thing is that wakes you up to the moment).
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Love in
Love out.
I remember G being born
M at 1.5. Too fast.
We are all familiar with the catch phrases like “Time flies….”; “Stop and smell the roses”, etc. It would be glorious if we could all JUST DO IT. Since life is way too complicated I look at it this way. If I stay AWARE of the above cliches I might just grab those sweet special opportunities now and then. Thanks for the reminder, Elysha!
It’s true, GGW…it all comes down to awareness –> to be more present in our lives. I like the idea of remembering those cliches! Plus, they’re cute to teach the kids + get them in on it too! 🙂 Thank You!
Love this, Ann.
Feels like yesterday when they were babies…
Elysha,
You may want to give the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle a try,
Terry
You’re right, Terry. I read that book so long ago. He explained some brilliant concepts that probably sink in even deeper the more times you read them. Thank you.
The sacred space between breaths. Perfect. As you know I am not astrologically built for speed, but sometimes I get all obsessed with my to do list and feel the squeeze to fill every moment of every day with productivity. Then it’s breathe and rest…
I love my to-do lists! I’ve been trying to do less though, particularly with those in-between moments…Thank you, Sara! x x
Yay you for recognizing the importance of being present and continuing to strive for that…unlike so many who realize it looking in the rear view mirror after dropping a child off at college for the first (or 20th) time and all the similar milestones that bring us up short. I love your three super simple yet highly challenging tips. If we keep practicing, at least we are on the path, right Elysha? My other suggested tip: Enjoy the ride (note to self :)). Have a lovely, breathing weekend, my friend. xoxo
Yes, of course! Enjoy the ride!! Thank you for that important reminder, ST! I appreciate your insights…they’re always so rich, like a precious treat. x x
gently inspiring 🙂
So much easier said (slow down, breathe) than done, huh? We are a society of hurry-up-so-we-can-get-onto-the-next-THING! At least that is how *I* feel.
Terre, it is much easier said than done, but the awareness helps nudge me in the right direction –>>to slow down! Thank you!
Thank you!