Slow Down…
“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
While my love of tea (iced or hot) might influence my reverence for the above quote from Thich Nhat Hanh, I find his invitation to slow down to be a revolutionary act that I need to take to heart (again) today.
It wasn’t that long ago we were all required to slow down whether we wanted to or not; yet, the to-do list (even if filled with fun summer activities) has a way of speeding many of us up again.
What if Thich Nhat Hanh’s wisdom was true though? What if slowing down instead of speeding up made all the difference in the health and vitality of the world? What if the right next steps easily appeared when we give them the space to do so?
“Sometimes I think there are only two instructions we need to follow to develop and deepen our spiritual life: slow down and let go.” — Oriah Mountain Dreamer
In the height and the heat of summer surely we are supported in this invitation to slow down. Where in your life have you been rushing mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or physically? How might slowing down, taking a sacred pause, or a deep breath support you and the world?
May you give yourself permission to slow down today, perhaps in ways you never have before. And may you experience the blessings this slower pace has to offer.
Amble Through Life
Breathing Space
Breathing is the fundamental unit of risk, the atom of inner courage that leads us into authentic living.
With each breath, we practice opening, taking in, and releasing. Literally, the teacher is under our nose.
When anxious, we simply have to remember to breathe.
—Mark Nepo
What do you need to open to, take in, and release today?
