Choosing Slow 02/24/2011
 Slow by Norefjell, Deviantart.com Slow is the New Fast An Ode to Slow from An Ex Multi-tasker Oh, it used to feel so good, so empowering. An adrenaline rush, really. I could be writing a 5 year plan, on a conference call and communicating in hand-signals to my co-workers, all at once. Forget walking and chewing gum! I ran down the hallways to the fax machine, swung into my boss’ office, a sandwich in hand. And the rewards were sweet. Painting broad, colorful brush strokes upon the world’s open canvass. Recognition. The silent confidence of my value in the world’s eye. And then the years wore on. Now my “on” switch had a hard time switching “off” when I wanted it to. I was running at work, running in my off-time, running in my brain, running in my sleep. And the impact I was having looked different 5-10 years later. Sure, I pulled off large-scale events but the relationships were shallow, the vision short-sighted, the victories unsustained over time. What was I really creating in the world? And now the world’s accolades seemed like a back-handed consolation, a small return for the price of my Soul, my peace, my wisdom. And so I dedicate this poem to Slow. In deep humility to the Wise Ones I screeched past, waving from my mental convertible, during those busy-busy years: An Ode to Slow I choose Slow Because Slow is delicious, Tai Chi, flowing, sensuous Like a belly dancer And because you must walk slowly To be barefoot Toes curling around each pebble, relaxed, pulling strength up From Mother Earth. And when I move like this my heart and eyes open like flowers, simple, sincere, True And I look around. I think. About the things left undone. About thoughtful things that I could do. I am aware of every flower, every buzzing bee. I enjoy them. I join them. I am connected to them. I choose Slow Because going through the motions thoughtlessly, superficially a dozen times Does not match One Slow, thorough, forward movement with Purpose and clarity Imagine if the whole world moved like this. What kind of world would this be? All beings listening to the changing world around us and acting in perfect harmony with its cycles and timing. Substance over form. Spirit over physical. Manifesting wisdom, patience, gratitude, forgiveness and compassion All tell-tale signs of Slow. Slow, like a quiet rebellion in this busy-busy world Requiring great courage to walk out of sync with so much of the world And, oh, how it grows your Faith In the perfect Design of this world And mercy and grace of its Creator Faith that moving in Joy and contentment in each moment will lead to the Best outcome, always. Joy leading to Joy. Peace to Peace. Stillness to Stillness. Love to Love Refusing to move in fear and hurry Refusing to move from bitterness and blame Refusing to move from anger, desperation, loneliness, ignorance Recovering, waiting, resting Until I can move slowly in Joy once again. Experiments ▪ For an entire day, focus on only one thing at a time; think only one thought at a time. At the end of the day journal about this experience. ▪ Take a walk today where you move at half the pace you normally do. What differences do you notice in yourself and your experience of your surroundings? ▪ Take a meditation, Tai Chi or breath-centered yoga class, noticing the impact of this experience on your mind, heart and body. Journal about the experience CommentsCrysta 02/25/2011 13:29
Great stuff, really! As a current multi-tasker, I can relate to not being able to "shut it off". I am trying to practice quieting my mind daily, but after years and years of busy brain, it is no easy feat! Thanks for the inspiration! 02/25/2011 19:47
Gorgeous poem! Reminds me of the grace, reverence and wisdom in moving slow. As a new mama, I find myself either moving really quickly (to get something done while baby naps) or not moving much at all (during long nursing sessions where I'm just gazing down on my little one). I love the simplicity of it all. That my life and purpose is centered around baby and family. And, this gets me curious to discover other ways of being in all this that could bring a bit more grace, reverence and wisdom to this journey I'm on. Looking forward to seeing what your words inspire and discovering how slowing down could bring even more richness to this mama journey. 04/22/2012 23:57
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