Remember the famous “Hare and the Tortoise” story. The exciting race, and a pleasantly surprising finish. The tortoise won comfortably because of his slow and steady approach. The moral of the story “The race is not always to the swift” Let us explore why being slow is perhaps the most underestimated quality you may have and reasons to slow down your life.
Turn Slow to become Calmer and Peaceful
As a society, we have reached a level when everything has become a race, a mindless competition. I remember receiving a WhatsApp forward about the modern-day version of “Hare and the Tortoise,” where tortoise loses, and the Hare turns out victorious. It tried hard to justify the importance of being smart, agile, and numerous other adjectives we all hear in our professional and personal lives these days. Let’s accept the new version also; however, the fact remains when you are slow, you are much more in control of yourself and see things crystal clear.
Being Slow is Practicing Mindfulness
I love the concept of “Mindfulness” It helps to tune our thoughts into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future. Living in the now can be the best thing we can learn. Ideally, we should start teaching it to kids, along with other essential aspects like the importance of being focussed.
In this fast-paced culture of endless capitalism. We keep hearing how important it is to be fast, agile, and good enough to multitask. People often take pride in telling that they are good at multitasking and can juggle five tasks at the same time. It is considered a personality trait that leads to high productivity. In the short term, it might be useful for productivity. However, the cost is insanely huge. As per neuroscientists, it can even lead to permanent brain damage. Below articles are good reads to understand how multitasking is not natural and kills not just productivity, but creativity too.
- 9 ways multitasking is killing your brain and productivity, according to neuroscientists
- The Myth of Multitasking
Perhaps it’s time to return to our roots, unclutter the way we live.
Let’s Return to the Old ways of Doing Things
It took a lot of time for humans to behave like machines, and it will take time to break the habit of being in a race 24X7. I’m sure this pandemic and lockdown have made many of us rethink our priorities. There have been different movements all over the globe focussed on sustained living, thinking about nature while taking any step towards so-called development. You may find this article interesting that talks about the positive aspects of the Covid-19 Pandemic and Lockdown.
You must have heard about “The Slow Movement – Slow down your life.” Renowned storyteller Neelesh Misra started it. It’s a community that focuses on slowing down our life and living each moment, making connections to our roots, and enjoying simple things. I first noticed this brand on YouTube while watching “Slow Interviews with Neelesh Misra.” It was some experience to watch celebrities talking candidly about their villages, their struggle, and life experiences.
Now we know how vital it is to slow down; let us see how small changes can help us become more aware in life.
How to Slow Down?
Here are a few things that will help you practice mindfulness and slow down.
- Accept yourself. Treat yourself the way you would treat a good friend.
- Find joy in small things – Sing, Dance, Paint, Write, Read, Exercise, Go for a walk, call someone you have not spoken in years, learn something you always wanted to do. ( I’m guilty of not learning guitar to date. Being slow is fine, but procrastination is not). Do things that give you real joy.
- Live in the moment – Pay attention to everything you do. Experience your environment with all of your senses — touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste. For example, when you eat a favorite food, take the time to smell, taste, and truly enjoy it.
- Focus on your breathing. Perhaps the best way to slow down. Whenever you are not thinking clearly and worried. Just relax and focus on your breath.
- Do one thing at a time – Stop juggling with more than one thing at a time.
There is one dialogue in the movie “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” that has stuck with me, “It’s Quite Simple, Bas Saans Lete Raho” (Life is simple, just keep breathing). Is there anything unique that you practice to focus better and slow down your life? Go ahead and share it in the comment section below.
“To do nothing at all is the most difficult thing in the world, the most difficult and the most intellectual.” – Oscar Wilde
Sources:
- The Slow Movement: Slow Down Your Life
- https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/9-ways-multitasking-is-killing-your-brain-and-productivity-according-to-neuroscientists
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/creativity-without-borders/201405/the-myth-multitasking
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356
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