slow down

Part of creating space is slowing down. Slowing down allows us to notice, connect and choose differently. In this fast-paced world that we live in, slowing down seems like a luxury. But only in slowing down, can we tune in, listen to and act on our inner guidance.

I am actually lucky. I have always been naturally slow.

It was not always appreciated by my family.

My mom always wanted me to do something and I never wanted to do it.

My sister always wanted me to go faster. I would try to hustle to catch up only to lose steam.

My husband wanted me to hurry up and get a job event though I wasn't ready.

It seemed like everywhere I looked, I was told to hustle. Move. Hurry up.

Through this practice I have healed the parts of me that felt that I wasn't good enough being slow.

That I should be different.

That I wasn't going to accomplish anything if I didn't move faster.

I listened to those parts of myself and found my gold.

Now I feel lucky.

I know that in slowing down I take more in.

I know that in slowing down I can choose differently.

I know in slowing down I can see more clearly where I'm going.

Letting go of the hustle is part of the practice.

How do we create space in our lives so that we have room to linger? To meander? To be led instead of to lead?

We create space by letting go.

We let go of all the things that clog up our schedule.

HERE'S A PRACTICE THAT I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO GET YOU STARTED:

Look at your mealtimes as opportunities to create space. We all deserve to eat breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner. Sitting down during these times honors who we are physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

If you are not sitting down during these times then take a look at ways you can add 30-60 minutes for each meal into your day.

Scheduled meal times is a great starting point for slowing down, connecting to your inner self, connecting to your day, connecting to how you're feeling and asking yourself what you need.

After each meal ask yourself, "What does my body, mind, soul need right now?"

Does my body need to stretch? Does it need to move? Does it need to rest?

What does my mind need right now? Does it need to read? Does it need to solve a puzzle? Does it need to process something new?

What does my soul need? Does it need to connect with another? Does it need to play? Does it need to be in nature? Does it need to make some thing?

If your body asks you to stretch, it doesn't mean you need to do a one hour yoga class. It just means to get up and stretch your whole body. That takes five minutes.

If your soul is calling you to write, then write a few sentences.

Don't get caught up in feeling that you need time to do all this. As you honor your Higher Self for a few minutes, three things begin to happen:

1. You start to live life more in tune with your Higher Self. All these little moments add up.

2. You begin to learn the language of your soul.

3. You develop a relationship with your Higher Self - one based in love and trust.

My hope for you is that you start to carve out these pockets of time during your meals and ask your Self, "What do you need right now?" And take a few minutes to do that thing. It will feel so good. Trust me.

With Much Love,

Maria